boundaries

/ˈbaʊn.dər.i/ (bre, ipa) · [bˈaʊndɚiz] /ˈbaʊn.dər.i/ (ame, ipa) · [bˈaʊndɚiz] /ˈbau̇n-d(ə-)rē How to pronounce boundary (audio)/ (ame, mw)

boundaries — noun

1. lines, whether visible or only understood, that show where one area ends and ano

1.名詞B1
釋義

lines, whether visible or only understood, that show where one area ends and another begins

例句

Surveyors checked the farm boundaries before the new fence was built.

the boundaries of land

A narrow stream forms the boundaries between the rice fields.

boundaries between A and B

同義詞
  • borders

    more often used for the dividing lines between countries or regions

  • dividing lines

    plain descriptive phrase for lines that separate two areas

  • edges

    broader and less exact; often refers to the outer side of one thing

反義詞
  • centers

    focuses on the middle, not the outer limits

  • interiors

    refers to the inside area rather than the outer line

文法句型

boundaries between A and B

the boundaries of something

用法筆記

Often used for physical edges of land, rooms, or zones. The word can refer to a line on a map, a fence line, or a limit people simply agree on.

2. the outer edges of what a subject, activity, rule, or idea includes or allows

2.名詞B2
釋義

the outer edges of what a subject, activity, rule, or idea includes or allows

例句

The editor set clear boundaries for articles about the election.

set boundaries for + activity

Our teacher said the project boundaries ended at local history.

同義詞
  • limits

    the most general word for points that should not be passed

  • scope

    stresses the full range of what is covered

  • confines

    suggests being kept within a narrower space or set of ideas

反義詞
  • freedom

    suggests not being held inside set limits

  • openness

    emphasizes a lack of strict restriction

文法句型

the boundaries of a subject

push the boundaries of something

用法筆記

Used for limits in rules, knowledge, creative work, and other abstract areas rather than for physical land.

3. personal or social limits that show how others may treat you in a relationship o

3.名詞B2
釋義

personal or social limits that show how others may treat you in a relationship or situation

例句

After the breakup, Lara set firm boundaries with her ex-partner.

set boundaries with + person

Good nurses respect boundaries when patients ask private questions.

respect boundaries

同義詞
  • limits

    broad everyday word for what behavior is acceptable

  • ground rules

    stresses agreed rules for how people should act

  • lines

    informal way to talk about what should not be crossed

反義詞

文法句型

set boundaries with someone

respect boundaries

用法筆記

Almost always used in the plural for emotional, social, or professional limits. It often appears in advice about relationships, work, and care roles.

常見錯誤

❌You need a stronger boundary with your manager.
✅You need stronger boundaries with your manager.
💡this meaning is normally expressed in the plural.

4. the ropes or marked lines around a cricket field that show where the playing are

4.名詞C1
釋義

the ropes or marked lines around a cricket field that show where the playing area ends

例句

Rain moved the rope boundaries closer to the pitch.

rope boundaries

From the stand, Sana could see the white boundaries clearly.

同義詞
  • boundary ropes

    specifically names the ropes used to mark the edge

  • field edge

    general description of the outside line of the playing area

文法句型

inside the boundaries

move the boundaries

用法筆記

This sense refers to the field markings themselves in cricket. Use sense 5 for the scoring hits that travel beyond them.

5. hits in cricket that send the ball beyond the field edge for an automatic score

5.名詞C1
釋義

hits in cricket that send the ball beyond the field edge for an automatic score of four or six

例句

The opener struck three boundaries in the first five overs.

struck three boundaries

Apinya cheered when the captain found the gaps for boundaries.

同義詞
  • fours

    specifically boundaries worth four runs

  • sixes

    specifically boundaries worth six runs

  • scoring shots

    broader term that includes boundaries and other successful hits

反義詞
  • dot balls

    deliveries that score no runs at all

文法句型

hit boundaries

score boundaries

用法筆記

This sense means scoring shots, not the ropes or lines on the field. In match reports it often appears with numbers, such as 'four boundaries'.

常見錯誤

❌The grounds crew repainted the boundaries after lunch.
✅The grounds crew repainted the boundary ropes after lunch.
💡in this sense, boundaries are scoring hits, not field markings.