delimiter
C1Technical/Formal
Definition
Meaning
A character, sequence of characters, or pattern that marks the beginning or end of a unit of data.
Any symbol, rule, or concept used to separate or distinguish distinct elements, sections, or territories.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in computing, data processing, and formal documentation. It implies an active role in setting boundaries rather than being a passive separator.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; minor differences in frequency of use in non-technical contexts.
Connotations
Slightly more prevalent in British technical writing, but standard in both varieties.
Frequency
Equal frequency in technical domains; rare in everyday speech in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The delimiter is [noun phrase]Use [noun phrase] as a delimiterSet/Define/Specify the delimiter to [value]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hard delimiter (computing: a non-negotiable separation point)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in data analysis reports, e.g., 'The export file uses a pipe character as a delimiter.'
Academic
Found in linguistics (text segmentation), computer science, and data science papers.
Everyday
Virtually unused in casual conversation.
Technical
Core term in programming, database management, and data formatting.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The function is used to delimit the fields.
- Regions were delimited by ancient treaties.
American English
- The script will delimit the values with tabs.
- The agreement delimits the maritime border.
adverb
British English
- The data is stored delimiter-free.
- The text was delimited poorly.
American English
- The file is saved delimiter-agnostic.
- The columns were delimited incorrectly.
adjective
British English
- The delimiting character was missing.
- A delimiting survey was commissioned.
American English
- Check the delimiting role of the semicolon.
- The delimiting factors were unclear.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the CSV file, a comma is the common delimiter.
- You must specify a delimiter, such as a semicolon, to parse the data correctly.
- The river acts as a natural delimiter between the two counties.
- The parser failed because the string contained the delimiter character within a quoted field.
- The treaty served to delimit the spheres of influence, establishing a clear political delimiter.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a de-LIMIT-er: it DEfines the LIMITs of something.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FENCE or WALL between properties; a COMMA in a list.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'разделитель' in non-technical contexts where 'граница' or 'предел' might be more conceptual.
- Do not confuse with 'ограничитель' (limiter) which implies restricting quantity, not marking boundaries.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'delimeter'.
- Using 'delimiter' to mean a general 'divider' in non-technical physical contexts (e.g., a room divider).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'delimiter' MOST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While overwhelmingly technical, it can be used metaphorically in formal contexts (e.g., 'a delimiter of responsibilities'), but this is rare.
In computing, they are often synonymous. Some make a fine distinction: a delimiter often marks the *end* of a field, while a separator sits *between* fields. In practice, they are used interchangeably.
Stress the second syllable: di-LIM-it-er. The first 'i' is a short /ɪ/ sound.
No, 'delimiter' is exclusively a noun. The verb form is 'to delimit'.