circumscribe
episodeTranscript
jump: chapters · speakers · find in transcriptTranscript
Transcript generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.
What does the word “circumscribe” mean and how is it pronounced?
Today's word is circumscribe, spelled C-I-R-C-U-M-S-C-R-I-B-E. Circumscribe is a verb. To circumscribe something is to limit its range or activity. Here's the word used in a sentence from Time.
How is “circumscribe” used in a real‑world example from Time magazine?
A mid-credits scene that shows Santos and Mel at a karaoke bar performing a duet might seem to be a throwaway, but it's more like a glimmer of a happy ending. By blowing off steam together, Mel is forming an independent identity, and Santos is finding a healthy outlet for her anger. This could be the first step for both of them towards escaping a life circumscribed by work. To circumscribe something is to limit its range or activity, but there is no circumscribing the range of influence the Latin ancestors of the word circumscribe have had.
What is the Latin origin of “circumscribe” and how did it evolve into English?
Circumscribe comes via Middle English from the Latin verb circum scribere, which roughly translates as to draw a circle around, which in turn comes from circum, meaning circle, and scribere, meaning to write or draw. Among the many descendants of kirkum are the words circuit, circumference, circumnavigate, circumspect, circumstance, and circumvent. Scribrae gave us such words as scribe and scribble, as well as ascribe, describe, and transcribe, among others. With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski.
Which related words share the “circum‑” and “scribe” roots and what do they mean?
Visit Merriam-Webster.com today for definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups.
No segments match your search.
Select any passage to copy it with its citation or turn it into a shareable card.
Chapters
4 chapters
1
What does the word “circumscribe” mean and how is it pronounced?
0:06–0:29
2
How is “circumscribe” used in a real‑world example from Time magazine?
0:29–1:07
3
What is the Latin origin of “circumscribe” and how did it evolve into English?
1:07–1:49
4
Which related words share the “circum‑” and “scribe” roots and what do they mean?
1:49–1:55