binding
B2Formal, Technical, Legal
Definition
Meaning
1) something that ties, fastens, or holds items together; a cover or material used to hold pages together. 2) imposing a legal or moral obligation.
1) In computing, associating a name with an object or event. 2) In physics/chemistry, the force or process that holds atoms or particles together. 3) In skiing, a device that holds a boot to the ski.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word functions as a noun, adjective, and (rarely) as the present participle of the verb 'bind.' As an adjective, it is strongly associated with legal enforceability. The noun often refers to physical fastening objects or abstract obligations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in related terms (e.g., bindery, bookbinder). The legal usage is identical. In everyday contexts, 'ski binding' is common in both.
Connotations
Identical in formal and legal contexts. In publishing, 'binding' might be more associated with traditional hardback binding in the UK.
Frequency
Similar overall frequency. The adjective sense ('legally binding') is very common in legal/business contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
binding on/upon [someone]binding for [someone/something]binding agreement between [parties][noun] binding (e.g., book binding)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A binding promise”
- “In a tight binding (figurative)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to contracts and agreements that are enforceable by law.
Academic
Used in law, physics (binding energy), chemistry (binding site), and literature (book binding).
Everyday
Most commonly used for books (hardback/paperback binding) and ski equipment.
Technical
In programming, linking a variable to a value; in molecular biology, e.g., protein binding.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She is binding the legal documents into a folder.
- The tradition is binding the community together.
American English
- He's binding the book with a leather cover.
- The treaty is binding the two nations.
adverb
British English
- This contract binds the parties bindingly.
American English
- The agreement was made bindingly fast.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The book has a red binding.
- My ski binding is broken.
- They signed a binding contract for the new house.
- The hard binding protects the pages.
- The judgement set a binding precedent for future cases.
- The binding arbitration clause prevented a court case.
- The binding affinity of the molecule to the receptor site was measured.
- A morally binding commitment can be as powerful as a legal one.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BIND holding a book together with a STRING. BIND + STRING = BINDING.
Conceptual Metaphor
OBLIGATIONS ARE BONDS/TIES; AGREEMENTS ARE KNOTS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с русским словом 'биндинг' (которое относится почти исключительно к креплениям для лыж).
- 'Legally binding' переводится как 'имеющий обязательную юридическую силу', а не просто 'связывающий'.
- В значении 'переплет книги' это не 'связка', а именно 'переплёт'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'binding' as a verb instead of 'binding' as adjective/noun (e.g., 'He is binding the contract' vs. 'The contract is binding').
- Confusing 'bound' (past tense) with 'binding' (present participle/adjective).
- Misspelling as 'biding'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'binding' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is very common as both. As a noun, it refers to a physical object (like a book cover). As an adjective, it describes something that creates an obligation ('a binding promise').
'Binding' is primarily a noun or adjective. 'Bound' is the past tense and past participle of the verb 'bind' ('He bound the book'), or an adjective meaning 'obligated' or 'destined' ('He is bound by contract').
Yes, but typically in specific contexts like discussing books ('I prefer a hard binding') or sports equipment ('check your ski bindings'). The adjective sense is more formal/legal.
It describes an agreement, vote, or offer that does not create a legal obligation, often used in preliminary negotiations or advisory opinions.
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