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DictionaryRoot: con-
Latin

con-

together, with; sometimes thoroughly

Forms

  • con-
  • com- — Used before certain consonants, especially b, p, and m.
  • col- — The final consonant changed before l.
  • cor- — The final consonant changed before r.
  • co- — The final consonant was lost in some combinations.

Origin

From Latin cum, “with,” and an older form com-.

Note

Togetherness could extend to completeness. Not every word containing this prefix retains an obvious “with” meaning.

66 / 108
noun

constraint

kuhn-STRAYNT/kənˈstreɪnt/

A limit on what can happen or be done.

The short tether is a constraint that keeps the dog from reaching the ball.

A short tether prevents a dog from reaching a distant ball, clear physical limit, dog comfortable.
Etymology
conLatintogether, with; sometimes thoroughly
+straintLatindraw tight, bind, or press

Binding tightly together provides the underlying image: a constraint holds action in check as a bond holds a body. The historical senses of binding and compulsion connect this image to an abstract restriction.

In context

Airbus Cockpit Coach2:49
enter FL180 as an altitude constraint, and press INSERT. Now we have a FL180 restriction at the abeam TOID point.
A320 ABEAM PTS Explained (MCDU DIR TO) — What It Does & When to Use It

More examples

  • Time constraints prevent us from visiting every museum.
  • The team designs a new playground within strict budget constraints.
  • Reliable transportation removes a major constraint on where she can work.

Forms

constraint · constraints

constrain verb — To limit what someone or something can do.

Similar words

restriction
Often suggests an imposed rule rather than a practical obstacle.
limitation
Can emphasize limited ability or capacity rather than external conditions.