Delimit

To delimit means to set the boundaries or limits of something, whether physical, conceptual, or abstract. It involves clearly defining the scope, extent, or range of a particular subject, area, or activity. This can include establishing the parameters, restrictions, or constraints within which something operates. Delimiting helps to provide clarity, focus, and precision, preventing ambiguity and enabling a better understanding of the defined area or subject matter. Essentially, it's the process of drawing the line, specifying what is included and excluded. This can be applied to geographical territories, scientific studies, philosophical arguments, or any domain where boundaries are necessary for clarity and management.

Delimit meaning with examples

• The treaty was created to delimit the border between the two countries, clearly marking the geographical territory and resolving long-standing disputes. This involved extensive surveys, negotiations, and the precise establishment of physical markers to ensure both nations acknowledged the agreed upon line and its parameters.
• In the study, researchers had to delimit the scope of their investigation to only include participants within a certain age range and geographical location. This helped to control variables and ensure the data collected was relevant and the results could be effectively applied to a narrower population group.
• When writing a research paper, it is important to delimit your topic to stay focused and avoid becoming too broad. Specifying the questions, methods, and time periods helps to keep the work manageable and avoids unfocused, less helpful tangents, maintaining a concise and cogent argument.
• The new regulations were put in place to delimit the power of the corporation. This means establishing a specific set of constraints and limitations to safeguard against potential abuses and ensure fair trade by creating regulations to prevent anti-competitive practices.
• The artist carefully used brushstrokes and framing techniques to delimit the subject of the painting, bringing focus to the primary elements and creating a clear composition. The frame and choice of colors created boundaries that guided the viewer's eye.