bounds

/baʊndz/ (bre, ipa) · [bˈaʊndz] /baʊndz/ (ame, ipa) · [bˈaʊndz] /ˈbau̇nd How to pronounce bound (audio)/ (ame, mw)

bounds — noun

1. the limits of what is allowed, accepted, or possible in a situation

1.名詞B2
釋義

the limits of what is allowed, accepted, or possible in a situation

例句

The judge kept the lawyer's questions within fair bounds.

within bounds for acceptable limits

Mina pushed the joke beyond polite bounds at dinner.

同義詞
  • limit

    broader and more neutral; limit works for numbers, time, or ability as well

  • restriction

    stresses a rule or control, not just the outer edge

  • constraint

    more formal, often used for pressure from rules or circumstances

反義詞
  • freedom

    stresses the absence of limiting rules or edges

用法筆記

Usually plural. Common after within, beyond, or outside, and often followed by of when naming what the limit applies to.

常見錯誤

❌The plan stayed in bounds of the law.
✅The plan stayed within the bounds of the law.
💡This meaning usually takes within the bounds of, not in bounds of.

2. the lines or edges that show where an area, especially a playing area, ends

2.名詞C1
釋義

the lines or edges that show where an area, especially a playing area, ends

例句

Officials marked the bounds with white paint before the match.

mark the bounds of a playing area

One shot landed outside the bounds and cost us possession.

outside the bounds of play

同義詞
  • boundary

    the most direct single line separating one area from another

  • border

    often used for the outer edge of an area or region

  • perimeter

    more formal and often used for the full outer edge of a space

用法筆記

Used for physical edges of land or game areas. In everyday sports talk, speakers often use out of bounds rather than bounds alone.