periphery

/pəˈrɪfəri/ (bre, ipa) · /pəˈrɪfəri/ (ame, ipa) · /pə-ˈri-f(ə-)rē/ (ame, mw)

periphery — noun

  • peripherysingular
  • peripheriesplural

1. the outer boundary or the part of an area that is farthest from its centre — for

1.名詞B2
釋義

the outer boundary or the part of an area that is farthest from its centre — for example, the edge of a city where houses stop and fields begin, or the outermost ring of a target in archery.

例句

Factories and warehouses have moved to the periphery of the city, where land is cheaper.

the periphery of [place] — physical boundary zone

Dr. Okafor noticed a small swelling on the periphery of the wound, near the healthy skin.

同義詞
  • edge

    more general and common; can be a sharp line or a boundary; 'periphery' sounds more formal

  • rim

    specifically the circular edge of an opening (cup, crater, wheel); narrower than 'periphery'

  • border

    focuses on the dividing line between two areas rather than the zone near it

  • outskirts

    refers specifically to the outer parts of a town or city, not used for other types of areas

反義詞
  • centre

    the middle point of an area

  • core

    the innermost part

文法句型

the periphery of + noun phrase

用法筆記

Often used with 'of' to specify the area: 'the periphery of the forest / estate / city'. Unlike 'edge', 'periphery' tends to describe a broader border zone rather than a sharp line. Frequently used in formal or written contexts.

常見錯誤

❌He stood at the periphery of the cliff.
✅He stood at the edge of the cliff.
💡'periphery' describes a broader zone around a boundary, not a sharp drop-off point.
❌The periphery of the knife is sharp.
✅The edge of the knife is sharp.
💡'periphery' is not used for the cutting edge of a blade.

2. the less important, less central, or less involved part of a group, activity, fi

2.名詞C1
釋義

the less important, less central, or less involved part of a group, activity, field of knowledge, or social scene — for example, people who are only loosely connected to a political movement, or topics that are not a main concern of a profession.

例句

The Watanabe family remained on the periphery of local politics, attending meetings but never running for office.

on the periphery of [group/activity] — metaphorical fringe

For years, mental health care existed at the periphery of the national health system, receiving far less funding than other departments.

同義詞
  • fringe

    similar meaning but often suggests ideas or groups that are unconventional or extreme; 'periphery' is more neutral

  • margin

    emphasises being outside the main activity; often used for social or economic exclusion

  • sidelines

    suggests watching rather than participating; more informal than 'periphery'

反義詞
  • centre

    the most important part of an activity or group

  • mainstream

    the prevailing current of thought or activity

文法句型

the periphery of + noun phrase (abstract)

用法筆記

Commonly paired with 'on' or 'at' to indicate position: 'on the periphery of the art scene / political debate / academic field'. The opposite expression is 'move to the centre / mainstream'. Unlike 'fringe', 'periphery' does not always carry a sense of radicalism or non-conformity — it mainly signals low importance or involvement.

常見錯誤

❌She sits on the periphery of the board, making key decisions.
✅She sits on the board and makes key decisions.
💡being on the periphery means low involvement, not a position of power.
❌Agriculture is at the periphery of this farming community.
✅Agriculture is at the centre of this farming community.
💡the core activity of a community is its centre, not its periphery.