Word
confines
Phoneticscon·fines
/ˈkɑnˌfaɪnz/
Definition
n. the limits or borders of a space or an activity. It describes the feeling of being kept inside a specific area.
n. the boundaries or limits of a space, area, or activity. Often used to suggest a sense of restriction or enclosure.
Examples
“It is difficult to live within the confines of a small room.”
“The researchers were finally able to test their theories outside the narrow confines of the laboratory.”
“The artist felt that the strict confines of traditional portraiture prevented her from expressing the true psychological depth of her subjects.”
Examples
simple
“It is difficult to live within the confines of a small room.”
contextual
“The researchers were finally able to test their theories outside the narrow confines of the laboratory.”
complex
“The artist felt that the strict confines of traditional portraiture prevented her from expressing the true psychological depth of her subjects.”
Usage
Takes plural verb agreement; almost exclusively used in the plural form to describe physical or metaphorical boundaries.
Pitfall
within the confine of the city
within the confines of the city
In the sense of boundaries or limits, the word is a plural-only noun and requires the 's' ending.
Real-World Examples
“This might be work about Edinburgh, but it deserves to be seen far outside the city’s confines.” “A big question for the viewer is whether the film will ever leave the confines of the trailer.”