French Conversation · Level 116
60 words
French word
circonscrire
Pronunciation
IPA/siʁkɔ̃skʁiʁ/
Meaning
- verblimit
Example
Il faut circonscrire les dépenses pour économiser.
We need to limit expenses to save money.
More examples
Depuis le début de l'épidémie, nous avons dû circonscrire nos contacts.
Since the beginning of the epidemic, we have had to restrict our contacts.
Core concept
A boundary drawn around a problem keeps its effects from spreading beyond a defined area.
Common phrases
circonscrire les dépenses
restrict expenses
circonscrire les contacts
restrict contacts
Similar words
limiter: Set a limit so an amount or degree does not increase further.
contrôler: Monitor and manage a situation or movement to keep it under control.
contenir: Keep something inside and prevent it from escaping.
restreindre: Restrict an activity or scope by imposing tighter limits.
Definition in French
Limiter l'étendue, l'impact ou la progression d'une chose en la maintenant à l'intérieur d'un cadre fixé.
Word origin
French circonscrire comes from Latin circumscribere, meaning 'to draw around', from circum 'around' and scribere 'to write'.
Usage tips
- Circonscrire is formal and common in reports, while limiter and restreindre are more usual in everyday speech.