French Conversation · Level 78
60 words
French word
borner
Pronunciation
IPA/bɔʁne/
Meaning
- verblimit
Example
Peux-tu borner le nombre d'invités ?
Can you limit the number of guests?
More examples
Nous devons borner l'accès au site pendant la maintenance.
We need to restrict access to the site during maintenance.
Core concept
A boundary post marks the edge of a space, with everything beyond that edge left outside.
Common phrases
borner le nombre d'invités
limit the number of guests
borner la discussion
limit the scope of the discussion
borner l'accès
restrict access
Similar words
limiter: To restrict a quantity or range so it cannot exceed a set level.
restreindre: To narrow permitted activities or choices.
fixer: To set a deadline, number, or other standard.
Definition in French
Fixer une limite à quelque chose ou délimiter son étendue ; employé pronominalement, indiquer qu'on se limite à un domaine précis.
Word origin
The verb borner is formed from French borne, a boundary marker, with the verb-forming ending -er.
Usage tips
- In formal usage, se borner à means to restrict oneself to something and is followed by à plus a noun or infinitive.