Bound vs. Bind — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 19, 2024
Bound is a condition or state of being tied or obligated, whereas bind involves the act of tying or obligating.
Difference Between Bound and Bind
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Bound typically refers to a completed state or condition, often implying limitations or obligations imposed by circumstances or agreements. It can describe being tied, restrained, or obligated, often with a sense of finality or permanence. For example, one might be bound by a contract or bound to a certain duty. On the other hand, bind usually refers to the process or action that leads to being bound. It involves the act of tying, securing, or obligating. Binding can be literal, as in tying something with a rope, or figurative, like being bound by a promise or legal agreement.
Bound is often used to describe a state resulting from being tied or restricted, such as being legally obligated to do something or being unable to move freely. It implies a condition that has already been established and might be difficult to change. Bind, conversely, is more about the action or process that causes this state. When you bind something, you are in the act of tying, securing, or obligating it, which could lead to a state of being bound.
In a legal or contractual context, being bound refers to having legal or contractual obligations. For instance, once a contract is signed, the parties are bound by its terms. Bind, in this context, would refer to the act of creating these obligations, such as through the signing of a contract or the making of a promise that legally ties an individual or entity to certain actions or responsibilities.
Bound can also be used in a more figurative sense to describe a situation where options are limited by circumstances, obligations, or relationships. For example, someone might feel bound by family responsibilities. Bind, in a figurative sense, would be the action or situation that leads to this feeling of being limited or obligated, such as a family member asking for help, thus creating a sense of duty or obligation.
In terms of grammar and usage, "bound" can function as an adjective or a past participle, depending on the context. For example, "I am bound by my word" uses "bound" as an adjective. "Bind," however, is primarily used as a verb, indicating the action of tying or obligating. For example, "I will bind the book with a strong adhesive."
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective or past participle
Verb
Usage in a Sentence
"She felt bound by her promise."
"He will bind the documents together."
Context
Often implies a completed action or state.
Implies an ongoing or initiating action.
Relation to Obligations
Describes being subject to obligations or limitations.
Describes the act of imposing obligations or limitations.
Figurative Use
Can describe a state of being restricted by non-physical means.
Often involves the process leading to a figurative binding.
Compare with Definitions
Bound
Bound as an adjective.
The bound book lay on the table, its pages secure.
Bind
Bind in present tense.
I bind the papers to keep them organized.
Bound
Bound in legal context.
They were bound by the terms of the agreement.
Bind
Bind as creating constraints.
The contract binds us to complete the project on time.
Bound
Bound in past tense.
She bound the papers with a ribbon yesterday.
Bind
Bind in past tense.
She bound the documents securely with twine.
Bound
Bound in a figurative sense.
He felt bound by tradition to follow the path.
Bind
Bind in a figurative sense.
Shared secrets can bind people together.
Bound
Bound as a limitation.
The athletes were bound by the rules of the game.
Bind
Bind in a contractual context.
Signing this document will bind you to its terms.
Bound
Walk or run with leaping strides
Shares bounded ahead in early dealing
Louis came bounding down the stairs
Bind
To confine, restrain, or hold by physical force or influence of any kind; as, attraction binds the planets to the sun; frost binds the earth, or the streams.
He bindeth the floods from overflowing.
Whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years.
Bound
Form the boundary of; enclose
The ground was bounded by a main road on one side and a meadow on the other
Bind
To tie or secure, as with a rope or cord.
Bound
Past and past participle of bind
Bind
To hold or restrain by tying with rope or bonds
Bound the prisoner.
Bound
A leaping movement towards or over something
I went up the steps in two effortless bounds
Bind
To fasten or wrap by encircling, as with a belt or ribbon
A dress bound with a sash.
Bound
A territorial limit; a boundary
The ancient bounds of the forest
Bind
To bandage
Bound up their wounds.
Bound
Certain to be or to do or have something
There is bound to be a change of plan
Bind
To compel, constrain, or unite
Bound by a deep sense of duty.
Bound by a common interest in sports.
Bound
Restricted or confined to a specified place
His job kept him city-bound
Bind
To make certain or irrevocable
Bind the deal with a down payment.
Bound
(of a book) having a specified binding
Fine leather-bound books
Bind
(Law) To place under legal obligation.
Bound
(of a grammatical element) occurring only in combination with another form.
Bind
To apprentice or indenture
Was bound out as a servant.
Bound
Going or ready to go towards a specified place
An express train bound for Edinburgh
The three moon-bound astronauts
Bind
(Chemistry) To combine with, form a chemical bond with, or be taken up by, as an enzyme with its substrate.
Bound
To leap forward or upward; jump; spring
The dog bounded over the gate.
Bind
To cause to cohere or stick together in a mass
Bind the dry ingredients with milk and eggs.
Bound
To move forward by leaps or springs
The deer bounded into the woods.
Bind
To constipate.
Bound
To spring back from a surface; rebound
The basketball bounded off the backboard.
Bind
To enclose and fasten (the pages of a book or other printed material) between covers.
Bound
To set a limit to; confine
A high wall that bounded the prison yard.
Lives that were bounded by poverty.
Bind
To furnish with an edge or border for protection, reinforcement, or ornamentation.
Bound
To constitute the boundary or limit of
A city park that was bounded by busy streets.
Bind
To tie up or fasten something.
Bound
To identify the boundaries of; demarcate.
Bind
To stick or become stuck
Applied a lubricant to keep the moving parts from binding.
Bound
To border on another place, state, or country.
Bind
To be uncomfortably tight or restricting, as clothes.
Bound
Past tense and past participle of bind.
Bind
To become compact or solid; cohere.
Bound
A leap; a jump
The deer was away in a single bound.
Bind
To be compelling, constraining, or unifying
Moved to her home town because of the ties that bind.
Bound
A springing back from a surface after hitting it; a bounce
Caught the ball on the bound.
Bind
(Chemistry) To combine chemically or form a chemical bond.
Bound
Often bounds A boundary; a limit
Our joy knew no bounds. Your remarks exceed the bounds of reason.
Bind
The act of binding.
Bound
Bounds The territory on, within, or near limiting lines
The bounds of the kingdom.
Bind
The state of being bound.
Bound
Confined by bonds; tied
Bound hostages.
Bind
Something that binds.
Bound
Being under legal or moral obligation
Bound by my promise.
Bind
A place where something binds
A bind halfway up the seam of the skirt.
Bound
Equipped with a cover or binding
Bound volumes.
Bind
(Informal) A difficult, restrictive, or unresolvable situation
Found themselves in a bind when their car broke down.
Bound
Predetermined; certain
We're bound to be late.
Bind
(Music) A tie, slur, or brace.
Bound
Determined; resolved
Many public policy students are bound to be politicians one day.
Bind
(intransitive) To tie; to confine by any ligature.
Bound
(Linguistics) Being a form, especially a morpheme, that cannot stand as an independent word, such as a prefix or suffix.
Bind
(intransitive) To cohere or stick together in a mass.
Just to make the cheese more binding
Bound
Constipated.
Bind
(intransitive) To be restrained from motion, or from customary or natural action, as by friction.
I wish I knew why the sewing machine binds up after I use it for a while.
Bound
Headed or intending to head in a specified direction
Commuters bound for home.
A south-bound train.
Bind
(intransitive) To exert a binding or restraining influence.
These are the ties that bind.
Bound
Simple past tense and past participle of bind
I bound the splint to my leg.
I had bound the splint with duct tape.
Bind
(transitive) To tie or fasten tightly together, with a cord, band, ligature, chain, etc.
To bind grain in bundles
To bind a prisoner
Bound
To surround a territory or other geographical entity; to form the boundary of.
France, Portugal, Gibraltar and Andorra bound Spain.
Kansas is bounded by Nebraska on the north, Missouri on the east, Oklahoma on the south and Colorado on the west.
Bind
(transitive) To confine, restrain, or hold by physical force or influence of any kind.
Gravity binds the planets to the sun.
Frost binds the earth.
Bound
To be the bound of.
Bind
(transitive) To couple.
Bound
(intransitive) To leap, move by jumping.
The rabbit bounded down the lane.
Bind
(figuratively) To oblige, restrain, or hold, by authority, law, duty, promise, vow, affection, or other social tie.
To bind the conscience
To bind by kindness
Bound by affection
Commerce binds nations to each other
Bound
(transitive) To cause to leap.
To bound a horse
Bind
(law) To put (a person) under definite legal obligations, especially, under the obligation of a bond or covenant.
Bound
To rebound; to bounce.
A rubber ball bounds on the floor
Bind
(law) To place under legal obligation to serve.
To bind an apprentice
Bound out to service
Bound
To cause to rebound; to throw so that it will rebound; to bounce.
To bound a ball on the floor
Bind
(transitive) To protect or strengthen by applying a band or binding, as the edge of a carpet or garment.
Bound
(with infinitive) Obliged (to).
You are not legally bound to reply.
Bind
To make fast (a thing) about or upon something, as by tying; to encircle with something.
To bind a belt about one
To bind a compress upon a wound
Bound
That cannot stand alone as a free word.
Bind
(transitive) To cover, as with a bandage.
To bind up a wound
Bound
Constrained by a quantifier.
Bind
To prevent or restrain from customary or natural action, as by producing constipation.
Certain drugs bind the bowels.
Bound
(dated) Constipated; costive.
Bind
(transitive) To put together in a cover, as of books.
The three novels were bound together.
Bound
Confined or restricted to a certain place; e.g. railbound.
Bind
To make two or more elements stick together.
Bound
Unable to move in certain conditions; e.g. snowbound.
Bind
To associate an identifier with a value; to associate a variable name, method name, etc. with the content of a storage location.
Bound
(obsolete) Ready, prepared.
Bind
To process one or more object modules into an executable program.
Bound
Ready to start or go (to); moving in the direction (of).
Which way are you bound?
Is that message bound for me?
Bind
To complain; to whine about something.
Bound
(with infinitive) Very likely (to), certain to
They were bound to come into conflict eventually.
Bind
To wear a binder so as to flatten one's chest to give the appearance of a flat chest, usually done by trans men.
I haven't binded since I got my top surgery.
I hear binder tech has improved since I last bound.
Bound
A boundary, the border which one must cross in order to enter or leave a territory.
I reached the northern bound of my property, took a deep breath and walked on.
Somewhere within these bounds you may find a buried treasure.
Bind
That which binds or ties.
Bound
(mathematics) A value which is known to be greater or smaller than a given set of values.
Bind
A troublesome situation; a problem; a predicament or quandary.
Bound
A sizeable jump, great leap.
The deer crossed the stream in a single bound.
Bind
Any twining or climbing plant or stem, especially a hop vine; a bine.
Bound
A spring from one foot to the other in dancing.
Bind
(music) A ligature or tie for grouping notes.
Bound
(dated) A bounce; a rebound.
Bind
(chess) A strong grip or stranglehold on a position, which is difficult for the opponent to break.
The Maróczy Bind
Bound
The external or limiting line, either real or imaginary, of any object or space; that which limits or restrains, or within which something is limited or restrained; limit; confine; extent; boundary.
He hath compassed the waters with bounds.
On earth's remotest bounds.
And mete the bounds of hate and love.
Bind
The indurated clay of coal mines.
Bound
A leap; an elastic spring; a jump.
A bound of graceful hardihood.
Bind
To tie, or confine with a cord, band, ligature, chain, etc.; to fetter; to make fast; as, to bind grain in bundles; to bind a prisoner.
Bound
Rebound; as, the bound of a ball.
Bind
To cover, as with a bandage; to bandage or dress; - sometimes with up; as, to bind up a wound.
Bound
Spring from one foot to the other.
Bind
To make fast ( a thing) about or upon something, as by tying; to encircle with something; as, to bind a belt about one; to bind a compress upon a part.
Bound
To limit; to terminate; to fix the furthest point of extension of; - said of natural or of moral objects; to lie along, or form, a boundary of; to inclose; to circumscribe; to restrain; to confine.
Where full measure only bounds excess.
Phlegethon . . .Whose fiery flood the burning empire bounds.
Bind
To prevent or restrain from customary or natural action; as, certain drugs bind the bowels.
Bound
To name the boundaries of; as, to bound France.
Bind
To protect or strengthen by a band or binding, as the edge of a carpet or garment.
Bound
To move with a sudden spring or leap, or with a succession of springs or leaps; as the beast bounded from his den; the herd bounded across the plain.
Before his lord the ready spaniel bounds.
And the waves bound beneath me as a steedThat knows his rider.
Bind
To sew or fasten together, and inclose in a cover; as, to bind a book.
Bound
To rebound, as an elastic ball.
Bind
Fig.: To oblige, restrain, or hold, by authority, law, duty, promise, vow, affection, or other moral tie; as, to bind the conscience; to bind by kindness; bound by affection; commerce binds nations to each other.
Who made our laws to bind us, not himself.
Bound
To make to bound or leap; as, to bound a horse.
Bind
To bring (any one) under definite legal obligations; esp. under the obligation of a bond or covenant.
Bound
To cause to rebound; to throw so that it will rebound; as, to bound a ball on the floor.
Bind
To tie; to confine by any ligature.
They that reap must sheaf and bind.
Bound
Restrained by a hand, rope, chain, fetters, or the like.
Bind
To contract; to grow hard or stiff; to cohere or stick together in a mass; as, clay binds by heat.
Bound
Inclosed in a binding or cover; as, a bound volume.
Bind
To be restrained from motion, or from customary or natural action, as by friction.
Bound
Under legal or moral restraint or obligation.
Bind
To exert a binding or restraining influence.
Bound
Constrained or compelled; destined; certain; - followed by the infinitive; as, he is bound to succeed; he is bound to fail.
Bind
That which binds or ties.
Bound
Resolved; as, I am bound to do it.
Bind
Any twining or climbing plant or stem, esp. a hop vine; a bine.
Bound
Constipated; costive.
Bind
Indurated clay, when much mixed with the oxide of iron.
Bound
Ready or intending to go; on the way toward; going; - with to or for, or with an adverb of motion; as, a ship is bound to Cadiz, or for Cadiz.
Bind
A ligature or tie for grouping notes.
Bound
A line determining the limits of an area
Bind
Something that hinders as if with bonds
Bound
The line or plane indicating the limit or extent of something
Bind
Stick to firmly;
Will this wallpaper adhere to the wall?
Bound
A light springing movement upwards or forwards
Bind
Create social or emotional ties;
The grandparents want to bond with the child
Bound
Move forward by leaps and bounds;
The horse bounded across the meadow
The child leapt across the puddle
Can you jump over the fence?
Bind
Make fast; tie or secure, with or as if with a rope;
The Chinese would bind the feet of their women
Bound
Form the boundary of; be contiguous to
Bind
Wrap around with something so as to cover or enclose
Bound
Place limits on (extent or access);
Restrict the use of this parking lot
Limit the time you can spend with your friends
Bind
Secure with or as if with ropes;
Tie down the prisoners
Tie up the old newspapes and bring them to the recycling shed
Bound
Spring back; spring away from an impact;
The rubber ball bounced
These particles do not resile but they unite after they collide
Bind
Bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted;
He's held by a contract
I'll hold you by your promise
Bound
Held with another element, substance or material in chemical or physical union
Bind
Form a chemical bond with;
The hydrogen binds the oxygen
Bound
Confined by bonds;
Bound and gagged hostages
Bind
Provide with a binding;
Bind the books in leather
Bound
Secured with a cover or binding; often used as a combining form;
Bound volumes
Leather-bound volumes
Bind
Fasten or secure with a rope, string, or cord;
They tied their victim to the chair
Bound
(usually followed by `to') governed by fate;
Bound to happen
An old house destined to be demolished
He is destined to be famous
Bind
Cause to be constipated;
These foods tend to constipate you
Bound
Covered or wrapped with a bandage;
The bandaged wound on the back of his head
An injury bound in fresh gauze
Bound
Headed or intending to head in a certain direction; often used as a combining form as in `college-bound students';
Children bound for school
A flight destined for New York
Bound
Bound by an oath;
A bound official
Bound
Bound by contract
Bound
Confined in the bowels;
He is bound in the belly
Common Curiosities
Is "bind" always related to physical actions?
No, "bind" can also refer to non-physical actions, like forming a contractual or emotional bond.
How does "bound" function grammatically in a sentence?
"Bound" can function as an adjective or a past participle, depending on the context.
What does "bound" mean in a legal context?
In a legal context, "bound" means being legally obligated to follow certain terms or conditions.
Can "bound" be used to describe physical restraints?
Yes, "bound" can describe physical restraints, like being tied up.
How does the figurative use of "bound" manifest?
Figuratively, "bound" can describe feeling limited or obligated by non-tangible forces, like duty or tradition.
Can "bind" imply a temporary state?
Yes, "bind" can imply a temporary state until the action of binding is undone or altered.
Can "bind" be used in a positive context?
Yes, "bind" can be used positively, as in forming strong relationships or agreements.
What is the past tense of "bind"?
The past tense of "bind" is "bound."
What's the difference between being "bound by" and "bound to"?
"Bound by" suggests constraints imposed by external factors, while "bound to" implies a likelihood or obligation towards a certain action.
Are "bound" and "bind" interchangeable?
No, they are not interchangeable due to their different grammatical roles and nuanced meanings.
Does "bound" have a connotation of permanence?
"Bound" can imply a sense of permanence or difficulty in changing the state or condition.
Can "bind" be used in a legal context?
Yes, "bind" can be used in a legal context to refer to the act of creating legal obligations.
How do "bound" and "bind" relate to freedom of action?
"Bound" often implies a reduction in freedom due to existing obligations or restrictions, while "bind" refers to the act of creating such limitations.
Can "bind" be a noun?
Yes, "bind" can also be a noun, referring to a problematic situation, though this usage is less common.
Is "bound" only used in negative contexts?
No, "bound" can be used in both negative and positive contexts, depending on the situation.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
