Word
periphery
Phoneticspe·riph·ery
US/pɝˈɪfɝi/
UK/pəɹˈɪfəɹi/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the outer edge of an area or the less important part of a group. You use this when talking about things that are not in the center of the action.
n. the outer limits or edge of an area, object, or abstract concept. Often refers to the marginal or less significant aspects of a system or social group.
Examples
“The new houses are on the periphery of the city.”
“While the main debate focused on the economy, several smaller issues remained on the periphery of the discussion.”
“The artist spent most of her career on the periphery of the mainstream art world, eventually gaining recognition only after her style was adopted by younger generations.”
Examples
simple
“The new houses are on the periphery of the city.”
contextual
“While the main debate focused on the economy, several smaller issues remained on the periphery of the discussion.”
complex
“The artist spent most of her career on the periphery of the mainstream art world, eventually gaining recognition only after her style was adopted by younger generations.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'of' to indicate the boundary of a specific entity.
Real-World Examples
“Since then, the scene has developed according to Rio’s own geographies and rhythms, incorporating funk, carnival, the cultures of the city’s peripheries and local political struggles.” “Massillon said gangs were still roaming Kenscoff’s periphery.” Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *per-der. Ancient Greek περί (perí) Ancient Greek περῐ- (perĭ-) Proto-Indo-European *bʰer- Proto-Indo-European *bʰéreti Proto-Hellenic *pʰérō Ancient Greek φέρω (phérō) Ancient Greek περιφέρω (periphérō) Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *-ēs Ancient Greek -ης (-ēs) Ancient Greek περιφερής (peripherḗs) Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-ih₂der. Ancient Greek -ια (-ia) Ancient Greek περιφέρεια (periphéreia)bor. Latin peripheriabor. Middle French peripheriebor. English periphery Borrowed from Middle French peripherie. Compare Middle English periferie (“one of three layers of atmosphere (lower, middle, and upper) believed to surround the Earth”), from the same origin, although the Modern English term most likely does not descend from it.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/periphery