What is limited? Pronunciation and usage in English

limited means . Learn how to pronounce and use limited through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of limited

limitedadjective

/ˈlɪmɪtɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of limited

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "limited." It can be a little tricky for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈlɪməd

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈlim - This part rhymes with "him" or "swim". The 'i' is a short 'i' sound, like in "bit."
  • -ɪt - This is a very quick, almost silent "it" sound. It's very lightly pronounced and almost blends into the first syllable. Think of it more as a glide.

Here's a phonetic transcription (a more technical way of writing sounds) that might be helpful:

ˈlɪmɪtɪd

Here's how to say it with emphasis:

  1. ˈlim - Give this syllable a bit more emphasis – it's the main part of the word.
  2. -ɪt - Say the "it" sound very quickly and lightly.

Resources for Hearing it:

Common Mispronunciations:

You might hear people say "lim-it-ed." While technically correct, it’s not the most common or natural-sounding pronunciation. Focus on the short "i" sound in the first syllable and that quick "it" sound.

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Usage and examples with the word limited in English

Let's break down how to use the word "limited" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings and ways to incorporate it into your sentences.

1. As an Adjective (Meaning Restricted or Small in Amount)

This is the most common usage. "Limited" describes something that isn't abundant or unrestricted.

  • Quantity: “We have limited supplies of water.” (meaning not a lot)
  • Availability: “There are limited seats available for the concert.” (meaning not many)
  • Time: “We have a limited time to finish the project.” (meaning not much time)
  • Scope: "The study only covered limited aspects of the problem." (meaning it didn't cover everything)
  • Access: “The access to the area is limited.” (meaning you can't get in easily or at all)

Examples:

  • "The limited edition sneakers sold out in minutes." (meaning there was a small, special quantity)
  • "Due to limited resources, the hospital couldn’t provide all the necessary equipment."
  • "His limited knowledge of French made it difficult for him to communicate."

2. As an Adjective (Meaning Restrained or Careful)

“Limited” can also describe behavior or reactions that are controlled and not overly emotional.

  • “She responded with a limited expression of sympathy.” (meaning not a strong or enthusiastic response)
  • “He showed limited enthusiasm for the new project.” (meaning not a lot of excitement)

3. As a Phrase (Meaning Restricted or Restricted to a Certain Range)

  • Limited to: “The offer is limited to customers in the United States.” (meaning only those customers can participate)
  • Limited by: “The engine’s power is limited by its size.” (meaning the size restricts the power)
  • Limited to a certain amount: "The allowance is limited to $50 per month."

4. In Business/Finance (A "Limited Company")

  • “It’s a limited company, which means the personal assets of the owners are protected.” (This is a specific legal structure.)

Tips for Using "Limited" Effectively:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the context of the sentence to understand exactly what "limited" is describing.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like “small,” “few,” “restricted,” “constrained,” “restricted,” or “limited” to vary your vocabulary.
  • Use “to” with “limited to”: Always use "to" after "limited" when you’re indicating something is restricted to a specific thing or group.

Resources for Further Learning:

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Synonyms for the word limited

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