limit

The word “limit” means the furthest point or greatest amount allowed or possible; a boundary. In plain terms, a boundary or maximum, or the act of restricting something to one.

“Limit” is pronounced LIHM-iht (/ˈlɪm.ɪt/ in IPA).

Here is “limit” used in a sentence: “There's a speed limit of 30 on this road.”

Depending on how it is used, “limit” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “limit” comes from Latin. From Old French limite, from Latin līmes ("boundary, border").

“Limit” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Limit” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the furthest point or greatest amount allowed or possible; a boundary.

A boundary is a line that marks where one area ends and another begins, often physical, like a fence or border. A limit is the furthest point or greatest amount allowed or possible, such as a speed limit or time limit. Boundaries divide spaces; limits cap amounts or set the extreme edge.

In everyday use they are unrelated. 'Limes' is simply the plural of 'lime,' the green citrus fruit. Curiously, the word 'limit' does come from the Latin limes, meaning a boundary or frontier — but the fruit's name is a separate origin, and the resemblance is just a coincidence of spelling.

Everyday examples include a speed limit, time limit, age limit, credit limit, and word limit — each setting a maximum that must not be exceeded. In mathematics, a limit is the value a function or sequence approaches. In every case, a limit marks a cap, a minimum, or a boundary.

Depending on context, the opposite is limitlessness, boundlessness, or freedom — a state with no cap or edge. In mathematics it relates to infinity. Everyday phrases like 'no limits,' 'unlimited,' and 'boundless' all express the absence of any restriction or furthest point.