rhizoverbBeta
DictionarywithinInside the limits
preposition / adverb

within

wih-THIN/wɪˈðɪn/

Inside the limits of something.

The child stands within the chalk circle while the toys remain outside.

A child stands inside a chalk circle on the ground while toys remain outside the boundary, making the child clearly within the marked limits.
Etymology
withOld Englishagainst
+inOld Englishinside

“Against the inside” places something on the inner side of a boundary. This spatial idea underlies the meaning of being inside the limits of something.

In context

Sara DeWitt8:32
on that cell phone that's always within arm's reach.
3 fears about screen time for kids -- and why they're not true | Sara DeWitt
TED3:00
You had to work within specific height and width parameters.
Margaret Gould Stewart: How giant websites design for you (and a billion others, too)

More examples

  • Please return the books within two weeks.
  • We stayed within the marked boundary.
  • A quiet voice came from within.

Forms

within

Similar words

inside
The common spatial alternative, less suited to some time limits.
inside of
A fuller expression, often more conversational.