circumscribe
/ˈsɜː.kəm.skɹaɪb/
Group 17Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To restrict something within limits; to define the limits of GRE
Example in Context
The court's narrow ruling carefully circumscribed the scope of the executive's power, drawing clear boundaries that future presidents would be bound to respect.
Synonyms
limitrestrictconstrain
Etymology
Writing around the limits of something, restricting it.
- circum- (Latin) — around
- scribere (Latin) — to write
Memory Aid
✍️Sounds like “circle scribe”
Imagine a nerdy kid drawing a CIRCLE and scribbling 'NO ENTRY' inside — he's CIRCUMSCRIBING the fun!
Visual Association
🚧A construction site with barriers set up, clearly marking restricted areas.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “circumscribe” mean on the GRE?
circumscribe (verb) means “To restrict something within limits; to define the limits of”. The court's narrow ruling carefully circumscribed the scope of the executive's power, drawing clear boundaries that future presidents would be bound to respect.
How to remember “circumscribe” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “circumscribe” sounds like “circle scribe”. Imagine a nerdy kid drawing a CIRCLE and scribbling 'NO ENTRY' inside — he's CIRCUMSCRIBING the fun!
What are synonyms for “circumscribe”?
Common synonyms: limit, restrict, constrain.