constrain
gb/kənstɹˈeɪn/ us/kənstɹˈeɪn/
B2
Anglais
~ 6300
Sens
0 sens
Verbe
formal
B2
action
1
to limit or restrict something
To stop something from being fully free, large, or able to grow by putting limits on it.
Schéma d’usage :
to constrain [something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners often confuse "constrain" with "restrain" and "contain". "Constrain" means to limit or control something, usually in an abstract way (constrain growth, constrain choices). "Restrain" is more about holding something or someone back, sometimes physically (restrain a person, restrain a dog). "Contain" usually means to hold something inside or stop it from spreading (contain a fire, contain emotions). Another common mistake is using the noun form *constraint* when the verb *constrain* is needed (e.g., saying "it constraints us" instead of "it constrains us" vs. "it is a constraint").
Synonymes
restrict (Very close in meaning; slightly more general and more common in everyday speech.)
|
limit (Broader and more neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.)
|
curb (Suggests actively holding something back, often used for things like spending or inflation.)
Antonymes
free (Emphasizes removing limits or control so something can act without restriction.)
|
allow (Focuses on giving permission or not stopping something from happening.)
Collocations
constrain growth
|constrain freedom
|constrain spending
|constrain development
|constrain movement
|severely constrain
Thèmes
business
|law
|science
|society
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- Rising costs may constrain the company's expansion plans.
- The design is constrained by the building's existing structure.
- Limited funding has severely constrained their research.
- New regulations will constrain how the data can be used.
- Our options are constrained by the lack of qualified candidates.
Exemples pédagogiques
- High prices constrain many people's choices.
- The small room constrains how many people can sit there.
- Lack of time constrains our work.
- School rules constrain what students can do online.
unknown
formal
C1
action
2
to force or compel someone
To make someone do something because of rules, other people, or the situation, not because they truly choose it.
Schéma d’usage :
to constrain [someone] to [do something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes use "constrain" in this sense when a simpler verb like "make" or "force" would sound more natural in everyday speech. This use of "constrain" is quite formal. Also, the usual pattern is "constrain someone to do something" or "feel constrained to do something"; saying "constrain to someone do" or dropping "to" is incorrect.
Synonymes
compel (Very close in meaning; common in formal writing and emphasizes strong pressure or necessity.)
|
force (Stronger and more direct; can suggest physical power or very strong pressure.)
|
oblige (Highlights duty or moral/social pressure rather than physical power.)
Antonymes
free (Focuses on removing pressure so a person can choose freely.)
|
encourage (Instead of forcing, it means to support or gently persuade someone to act.)
Collocations
constrain someone to act
|feel constrained to
|constrained to follow
|constrain someone to accept
Thèmes
law
|society
|work
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Exemples
- I felt constrained to apologize, even though I had done nothing wrong.
- Economic realities constrain governments to make unpopular cuts.
- Social norms often constrain people to behave in certain ways.
- He was constrained to sign the agreement by the terms of his contract.
Exemples pédagogiques
- His boss constrained him to work late.
- The law constrained the company to pay a fine.
- She felt constrained to tell the truth.
- Money problems constrained them to sell their house.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
constrain
API
GB/kənstɹˈeɪn/
US/kənstɹˈeɪn/
Syllabes et accentuation
con - strain (2 syllabes)
Stress on 2nd syllable (strain)
Formes du mot
Verb
- Base: constrain
- 3rd Person Singular: constrains
- Present Participle: constraining
- Past: constrained
Famille de mots
Forms
constrains
verb
constraining
verb
constrained
verb
Core family
constraint
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
unconstrained
adjective
Expressions
be constrained by
1/bˈi kənstɹˈeɪnd bˈaɪ/
fixed phrase
formal
to be limited by something
To have your actions or choices made smaller because of something, such as rules, money, or time.
Exemples
- Our schedule is constrained by the availability of the venue.
- Teachers are often constrained by a fixed curriculum.
- Their decision was constrained by budget concerns.
feel constrained to
1/fˈil kənstɹˈeɪnd tə/
fixed phrase
formal
to feel obliged to act
To feel that you must do something because of rules, other people, or the situation, not because you fully want to.
Exemples
- I felt constrained to speak up when I heard the unfair comment.
- They felt constrained to accept the offer, despite their doubts.