What is restrict? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of restrict

restrictverb

/rɪˈstrɪkt/
Definition & pronunciation of restrict

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "restrict" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • re-: This is like the "re" in "red" – a short, quick "re" sound.
  • st-: This is a combination of 's' and 't' blended together. It sounds like a single, short "st" sound – not a distinct "s" followed by a "t."
  • rict: This is the trickiest part. It's pronounced like "rikt." Think of the “rikt” in “brick,” but without the “b.” It’s a short, sharp "i" sound followed by a "kt" sound.
  • -tion: This is just the “shun” sound, like in “button” or “motion.”

2. Putting it Together: A Syllable Breakdown

You can think of it as three syllables:

  • re-st-rikt-shun

3. A Helpful Pronunciation (using sounds):

  • ˈrɛstrikt (The ‘ˈ’ symbol indicates primary stress - it's on the first syllable.)

4. A Phonetic Transcription (more detailed):

  • /rɪˈstrɪkt/ (This is how it's written using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA)

5. Tips & Mimicking:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable ("st"). Say “re-st-rikt.”
  • The "rict" sound: This is really the key. Practice saying "rikt" repeatedly. Try saying "brick" and then chopping off the "b" sound - that's closer to the "rikt" sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some links to audio pronunciations:

To help me give you even more tailored guidance, could you tell me:

  • Are you having trouble with a specific part of the word (e.g., just the “rict” sound)?

Usage and examples with the word restrict in English

Let's break down how to use the word "restrict" in English. It's a versatile word with several meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. As a Verb (most common usage):

  • Meaning 1: To limit or reduce something. This is the most frequent usage. It means to make something smaller, fewer, or less extensive.

    • Example: “The new law will restrict access to certain areas.” (limits access)
    • Example: “The company decided to restrict its operations to just one region.” (reduces the area of operations)
    • Example: “Her diet restricted her intake of sugar.” (limits the amount of sugar)
    • Example: “The heavy rain restricted visibility.” (reduced visibility)

  • Meaning 2: To prevent someone from doing something. This implies a constraint on action.

    • Example: “The rules restrict what students are allowed to bring into the classroom.” (preventing)
    • Example: “The contract restricted her from working for competitors.” (preventing)

2. As an Adjective:

  • Meaning: Limiting or restraining. Used to describe something that limits or restricts.
    • Example: “The restrictive policies of the school were unpopular with the students.” (describing the policies)
    • Example: “He wore a restrictive suit that made it difficult to move.” (describing the suit)
    • Example: “A restrictive environment can stifle creativity.” (describing the environment)

Here’s a breakdown with examples to help you visualize:

Synonyms for "Restrict" (depending on the meaning):

  • Limit: “The budget will limit our ability to hire more staff.”
  • Constrain: "The heavy rain constrained their movement."
  • Reduce: "The new regulations will reduce the amount of pollution."
  • Control: “The government controls access to certain information.”
  • Obstruct: “The fallen tree obstructed the road.”
  • Hinder: "The bad weather hindered our progress."

Tips for Using "Restrict" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: What is being restricted? Is it access, movement, freedom, or something else?
  • Be specific: Instead of just saying “it restricted me,” try to say what it restricted you from doing.
  • Use “restrictive” as an adjective carefully: Avoid using it unnecessarily. It’s best to use it when describing something that genuinely limits or constrains.

Could you give me a sentence where you'd like me to help you use "restrict" correctly? Or, do you want me to focus on a specific aspect, like:

  • Phrases that use "restrict"?
  • Differences between “restrict” and similar words?

Synonyms for the word restrict

Practice with vocabulary restrict

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To prevent data breaches, the company decided to heavily ______ access to sensitive customer information.
  2. The city council voted to ______ the number of parking permits available in the downtown area.
  3. New regulations will ______ the types of chemicals that can be used in agricultural practices.
  4. Due to safety concerns, authorities had to temporarily ______ pedestrian movement in the affected zone.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which word(s) best describe efforts to put a stop to unauthorized access to a network? a) enable b) restrict c) permit d) expand e) block

  2. The company decided to ______ its marketing budget for the next quarter, focusing on digital platforms only. a) inflate b) broaden c) curtail d) expand e) reduce

  3. Governments often need to ______ certain freedoms during times of national emergency. a) grant b) enhance c) restrict d) expand e) limit

  4. To ensure data security, system administrators often ______ user privileges based on their roles. a) broaden b) limit c) grant d) control e) expand

  5. The new trade agreement will likely ______ the flow of certain goods between the two countries. a) facilitate b) promote c) hinder d) restrict e) accelerate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The university announced that only students with valid IDs can enter the library after 9 PM. (Rewrite using "restrict" or a related word form)

  2. To save costs, the company decided to put a cap on employee travel expenses. (Rewrite using "restrict" or a related word form)

  3. It is important to prevent the spread of misinformation during an election. (Rewrite without using "restrict")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. restrict
  2. limit
  3. restrict
  4. prohibit

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) restrict, e) block
  2. c) curtail, e) reduce
  3. c) restrict, e) limit
  4. b) limit, d) control
  5. c) hinder, d) restrict

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. After 9 PM, entry to the university library is restricted to students with valid IDs.
  2. To save costs, the company decided to restrict employee travel expenses.
  3. It is important to combat the spread of misinformation during an election.

Comment ()