restriction
B2Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
a rule, condition, or measure that limits what is allowed or possible.
A limitation or regulation that controls or restricts behaviour, access, or the extent of something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries a negative connotation of limitation and is frequently used in formal or regulatory contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Minor differences exist in legal phrasing and some compound terms (e.g., 'restriction order' more common in UK legal/planning contexts).
Connotations
Generally neutral but context-dependent; can imply necessary control or unwanted bureaucracy.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English in official/governmental contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[restriction] + on + [something]under [restriction][restriction] + regarding + [something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “tighten the restrictions”
- “lift the restrictions”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to budget restrictions, trade restrictions, or regulatory constraints affecting operations.
Academic
Used in discussions of methodology (e.g., limitations/restrictions of a study), theory, or ethical constraints.
Everyday
Commonly heard regarding travel restrictions, parking restrictions, or dietary restrictions.
Technical
In computing: access restriction; in medicine: fluid restriction; in engineering: design restrictions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council will restrict parking in the town centre.
- Access is restricted to authorised personnel only.
American English
- The law restricts the sale of certain chemicals.
- They restricted the data usage to 5GB per month.
adverb
British English
- The policy was applied restrictively.
- He interpreted the rules very restrictively.
American English
- The law was enforced restrictively in that state.
- The software license is restrictively worded.
adjective
British English
- The restrictive covenant prevented building on the land.
- We found the dress code overly restrictive.
American English
- The zoning laws were highly restrictive.
- She disliked the restrictive nature of the contract.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There is a restriction on dogs in the park.
- The website has an age restriction.
- The government introduced new travel restrictions.
- Parking restrictions apply from 8 am to 6 pm.
- Budget restrictions forced the cancellation of the project.
- Import restrictions are hampering international trade.
- The judge imposed reporting restrictions on the sensitive case.
- Stringent environmental restrictions have been placed on new industrial developments.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RE-STRICT-ion: something that makes you strict again, re-imposing strict rules.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESTRICTION IS A BARRIER / RESTRICTION IS A TETHER.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from 'ограничение' in all contexts; 'restriction' is narrower than 'limit' and often implies an imposed rule.
- Do not confuse with 'restraint' (which is more about self-control).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'restriction' for self-imposed limits (use 'limitation').
- Confusing 'restriction' (n.) with 'restrict' (v.) in sentence structure.
- Using 'restriction of' instead of 'restriction on' (e.g., 'restriction on speed' is more natural than 'restriction of speed').
Practice
Quiz
Which word is NOT a typical synonym for 'restriction' in a formal context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'restriction' is typically an external rule or condition that limits action (e.g., a law). A 'limitation' is often a more general inherent constraint or a weakness (e.g., a limitation of the study, physical limitations).
Yes, in contexts like safety, security, or environmental protection, restrictions are seen as necessary and beneficial (e.g., speed restrictions save lives).
It is primarily a countable noun (e.g., 'several restrictions'). It can be used uncountably in a general sense (e.g., 'a life free from restriction'), but this is less common.
The preposition 'on' is most common (e.g., 'restrictions on travel'). 'Regarding', 'concerning', and 'to' are also possible depending on the context.