1
Core action
Limit, restrict, or hold back an action, choice, process, or development.
Example
Limited rainfall constrains plant growth.
constrain
/kənˈstreɪn/ · kun-STRAYNverb
Limit, restrict, or hold back an action, choice, process, or development.
Use constrain to express this relationship precisely: limit, restrict, or hold back an action, choice, process, or development.
What constrain Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
The archive's gaps constrain what historians can conclude.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
Strict assumptions may constrain the model's usefulness.
Use constrain Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Limited rainfall constrains plant growth.
The archive's gaps constrain what historians can conclude.
Strict assumptions may constrain the model's usefulness.
Precision Matters
Constrain overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
constrain
vs.Means limit, restrict, or hold back an action, choice, process, or development.
confine
Means restrict someone or something within a limited area, range, subject, or boundary.
constrain
vs.Means limit, restrict, or hold back an action, choice, process, or development.
impede
Means to prevent, obstruct, or slow progress.
constrain
vs.Means limit, restrict, or hold back an action, choice, process, or development.
preclude
Means to prevent something from happening or make it impossible.
constrain
vs.Means limit, restrict, or hold back an action, choice, process, or development.
thwart
Means prevent, block, or frustrate a plan, effort, or harmful outcome.
Test constrain in Context
The shortage limits the possible rate of expansion.
1
A shortage of trained staff will ___ how rapidly the programme can expand.