Restrict vs. Limited: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 12, 2023
Restrict means to confine or keep within limits, while limited denotes having a boundary or being finite in quantity or extent.
Key Differences
Both "restrict" and "limited" pertain to the idea of confinement, but they are used differently in language and context. To restrict is an active verb, indicating the action of setting boundaries or preventing something from moving beyond those boundaries. It implies an intervention or a specific decision made to set these confines. In contrast, "limited" is an adjective that describes the nature or state of something as having clear bounds or not being infinite.
Consider a scenario where a parent might restrict the amount of time their child spends watching television. The action of setting this boundary is "to restrict." However, the time the child can watch TV is "limited" to, say, two hours. The parent has restricted the viewing time, making it limited.
Moreover, while "restrict" often implies an imposed boundary, "limited" can refer to inherent qualities. For example, a book might be restricted to certain stores due to an exclusive deal, but its first print is limited to 5,000 copies because of budget constraints.
It's also worth noting that while we often think of both terms in negative contexts, they don't necessarily have to be. For instance, a restricted area in a nature reserve might be so to protect wildlife. Similarly, a limited edition of a product might be seen as more valuable due to its rarity.
Comparison Chart
Grammar Type
Verb
Adjective
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Implication
Action of setting boundaries
State of having bounds
Typical Usage
Imposed boundary or confinement
Inherent or specified boundary or confinement
Contextual Example
Restrict access to a room
Limited seating availability
Associated Sentiment
Often neutral or negative
Can be neutral, negative, or positive
Restrict and Limited Definitions
Restrict
To withhold or hold back.
The government might restrict certain information.
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Limited
Confined within a range.
The offer is available for a limited time.
Restrict
To place under certain conditions or requirements.
The club restricts membership to those above 21.
Limited
Not vast or extensive.
Her knowledge on the subject is quite limited.
Restrict
To confine within bounds.
We need to restrict the use of this entrance.
Limited
Confined or restricted within certain limits
Has only limited experience.
Restrict
To limit access or usage.
Please restrict your comments to the topic at hand.
Limited
Not attaining the highest goals or achievement
A limited success.
Restrict
To set definite limits upon.
Parents often restrict screen time for their kids.
Limited
Having only mediocre talent or range of ability
A popular but limited actor.
Restrict
To keep or confine within physical limits
The inmates are restricted to their cells for 23 hours each day. Food consumption is restricted to the cafeteria.
Limited
Having governmental or ruling powers restricted by enforceable limitations, as a constitution or a legislative body
Limited monarchy.
Restrict
To prevent or prohibit beyond a certain limit or by restriction
The law restricts the use of pesticides. The program restricts unauthorized users from accessing the data.
Limited
Abbr. Ltd. Of or relating to a limited company.
Restrict
To restrain within boundaries; to limit; to confine
After suffering diahrroea, the patient was restricted to a diet of rice, cold meat, and yoghurt.
Limited
Of, relating to, or being transportation facilities, such as trains or buses, that make few stops and carry relatively few passengers.
Restrict
To consider (a function) as defined on a subset of its original domain.
If we restrict sine to , we can define its inverse.
Limited
A limited train or bus.
Restrict
(obsolete) Restricted.
Limited
Simple past tense and past participle of limit
Restrict
Restricted.
Limited
With certain (often specified) limits placed upon it.
Restrict
To restrain within bounds; to limit; to confine; as, to restrict worlds to a particular meaning; to restrict a patient to a certain diet.
Limited
Restricted, small, few, not plentiful.
There are limited places available. Enrol now or you will miss out.
I have a limited understanding of quantum physics.
Restrict
Place restrictions on;
Curtail drinking in school
Limited
(rail) An express train that only halts at a limited number of stops.
Restrict
Place under restrictions; limit access to;
This substance is controlled
Limited
Confined within limits; narrow; circumscribed; restricted; as, our views of nature are very limited.
Restrict
Place limits on (extent or access);
Restrict the use of this parking lot
Limit the time you can spend with your friends
Limited
Small in range or scope;
Limited war
A limited success
A limited circle of friends
Restrict
Make more specific;
Qualify these remarks
Limited
Subject to limits or subjected to limits
Limited
Including only a part
Limited
Mediocre
Limited
Not excessive
Limited
Having a specific function or scope;
A special (or specific) role in the mission
Limited
Not unlimited;
A limited list of choices
Limited
Having definite boundaries or limits.
The room has limited space.
Limited
Not general or universal.
The software is for limited use.
Limited
Restricted in quantity.
They have a limited supply of the product.
FAQs
How is "limited" commonly used?
"Limited" often describes quantity, scope, or extent, like "limited resources."
Can a person be restricted?
Yes, people can be restricted in actions or movements, like travel restrictions.
Can "limited" be seen as a positive term?
Yes, "limited" can be positive, as in "limited edition," implying rarity or exclusivity.
Can "limit" be used as a verb like "restrict"?
Yes, "to limit" is to set a boundary or maximum, similar to "restrict."
Why would someone restrict access?
For reasons like safety, privacy, or exclusive rights.
What might be a limited resource?
Water in a drought or tickets to a popular event.
Can a thing be described as restricted?
Yes, like restricted access to a building or restricted information.
How does "limited" relate to quantity?
"Limited" can denote a finite amount or quantity, such as "limited tickets available."
Are all limited things restricted?
No, something can be inherently limited without being actively restricted.
Is "restrict" always a negative term?
No, "restrict" can be neutral, like restricting access for safety reasons.
Can "restrict" be used as an adjective?
Typically, no. Its adjective form is "restricted."
Are the terms interchangeable?
Not always. While related, they have distinct nuances and are grammatically different.
Is "unlimited" the opposite of "limited"?
Yes, "unlimited" means not having any boundaries or restrictions.
Can you restrict yourself?
Yes, one can self-restrict, like restricting one's diet or spending.
Can a space be both restricted and limited?
Yes, like a VIP area that's small (limited space) and has controlled access (restricted).
What's a synonym for "restrict"?
"Constrain" or "confine" can be synonyms for "restrict."
Is a "restricted area" the same as a "limited area"?
Not exactly. "Restricted" often implies prohibited or controlled access, while "limited" can refer to size or scope.
Is "limitation" related to "limited"?
Yes, a "limitation" is a restriction or bound, and something with limitations is "limited."
Can "restrict" apply to feelings or abstract concepts?
Yes, like restricting one's emotions or restricting a thought process.
Is "bounded" a synonym for "limited"?
In some contexts, yes. "Bounded" can refer to having boundaries, much like "limited."
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
