within
gb/wɪðˈɪn/ us/wɪðˈɪn/
A2
English
~ 300
Senses
0 senses
preposition
A2
relation
1
inside the limits of
Inside the space, time, or limits of something.
Usage pattern:
within [place/time/limit]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'within' with 'in'; 'within' often emphasizes a limit or range, while 'in' simply indicates location.
Synonyms
inside (More commonly refers to physical space; 'within' can also be used for time or abstract limits.)
Antonyms
outside (Indicates being beyond the limits or boundaries of something.)
Collocations
within reach
|within the city
|within the law
|within a week
|within limits
Themes
daily life
|time
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The park is located within walking distance of my house.
- Please complete the form within two days.
- You must act within the law at all times.
- The treasure was hidden within the walls.
- Stay within your budget to avoid debt.
Learner examples
- The school is within the city.
- I will finish the work within one hour.
- We must stay within the rules.
- The box is within the room.
- He lives within ten minutes from here.
adverb
B1
relation
2
in or inside
In a particular place or area.
Synonyms
inside ('Inside' is more common in spoken English; 'within' can sound slightly more formal.)
Antonyms
outside (Means not in a place or area.)
Themes
daily life
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Danger lurks within.
- Peace comes from within.
- The answer lies within.
- Everything you need is already within.
Learner examples
- The key is within.
- The toy is within.
- The dog stays within.
- Something is moving within.
Grammar
Dictionary form
within
IPA
GB/wɪðˈɪn/
US/wɪðˈɪn/
Syllables & stress
with - in (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (in)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: within
- Plural: withins
Word family
Expressions
from within
1/fɹˈʌm wɪðˈɪn/
fixed phrase
originating inside something
Starting or coming from inside something or someone.
Examples
- The changes came from within the company.
- She found strength from within to continue.
peace from within
1/pˈis fɹˈʌm wɪðˈɪn/
fixed phrase
literary
inner calm and harmony
A feeling of calmness that comes from inside you.
Examples
- Meditation helps you find peace from within.
- True happiness begins with peace from within.
within reach
1/wɪðˈɪn ɹˈit͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
Close enough to touch/achieve
Close enough for you to touch or get.
Examples
- The remote control was within reach on the table.
- Victory is within reach if we work hard.
within reach
2/wɪðˈɪn ɹˈit͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
close enough to reach or get
Close enough for you to touch or achieve.
Examples
- Keep dangerous tools within reach of adults only.
- Victory is now within reach.
within reason
1/wɪðˈɪn ɹˈizən/
fixed phrase
within sensible limits
Not going too far; in a fair or sensible way.
Examples
- You can borrow my car, within reason.
- I’ll help you as much as I can, within reason.
within reason
2/wɪðˈɪn ɹˈizən/
fixed phrase
acceptable and sensible limits
Allowed or possible but only up to a sensible limit.
Examples
- You can borrow the car anytime, within reason.
- We can negotiate the price, within reason.
within reason
3/wɪðˈɪn ɹˈizən/
fixed phrase
Within acceptable limits
As long as something stays fair, safe, or possible.
Examples
- You can borrow my car whenever you want, within reason.
- We encourage creativity, within reason, to keep projects on track.