Restrict vs. Limited — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
"Restrict" is a verb meaning to put a limit on; control the size, amount, or range of something, while "limited" is an adjective describing something that is confined within bounds or restricted.
Difference Between Restrict and Limited
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Restricting involves the action of setting boundaries or limits on something, often with the intent to control or regulate its scope or impact. On the other hand, when something is described as limited, it refers to the state of having restrictions already imposed, which confines or reduces its capabilities, quantities, or freedoms.
The verb "restrict" suggests an active process of limitation, typically imposed by an external force or authority. For example, a government might restrict travel during a crisis. Whereas, "limited" implies a condition or state resulting from such restrictions, as in having limited options available after such travel restrictions are put in place.
Restrictions can be applied to a variety of contexts, from legal regulations (such as restricting the sale of alcohol) to personal choices (such as restricting one's diet). In contrast, describing something as limited often highlights the effects or outcomes of such restrictions, such as limited availability or limited resources.
The use of "restrict" typically implies a purpose or reason behind the limitation, often geared toward safety, efficiency, or resource management. Meanwhile, "limited" may also imply a deficiency or inadequacy, such as limited skills or limited understanding, where the limitations negatively impact functionality or effectiveness.
In practical applications, when one restricts something, they are actively engaged in controlling or managing the limits. However, when one encounters limited circumstances, they are dealing with the results or realities of existing restrictions, which can affect planning, decision-making, and operations.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Adjective
Implication
Imposition of limitations
Condition of being restricted
Action/State
Active process of setting limits
Passive state of having limits
Example Usage
"The city council voted to restrict parking in residential areas."
"Options are limited due to budget constraints."
Typical Contexts
Legal regulations, policy settings
Descriptions of scope, resources, abilities
Compare with Definitions
Restrict
To reduce scope.
The conference restricted attendance to industry professionals only.
Limited
Narrowly restricted.
Her understanding of the issues is quite limited.
Restrict
To control an activity.
The coach restricted the players’ diet to improve their health.
Limited
Confined within bounds.
His experience with advanced mathematics is limited.
Restrict
To confine within bounds.
The new regulation restricts the amount of waste a company can legally dispose of.
Limited
Having boundaries imposed.
The area has limited accessibility due to construction.
Restrict
To impose limits.
The software restricts users from accessing sensitive files.
Limited
Restricted in duration, scope, or capability.
The warranty offers limited coverage.
Restrict
To limit access or usage.
The library restricts the borrowing of new releases to two per person.
Limited
Not extensive or abundant.
They operate with a limited budget.
Restrict
In the C programming language, restrict is a keyword that can be used in pointer declarations. By adding this type qualifier, a programmer hints to the compiler that for the lifetime of the pointer, only the pointer itself or a value directly derived from it (such as pointer + 1) will be used to access the object to which it points.
Limited
Confined or restricted within certain limits
Has only limited experience.
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
Not attaining the highest goals or achievement
A limited success.
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
Having only mediocre talent or range of ability
A popular but limited actor.
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
Having governmental or ruling powers restricted by enforceable limitations, as a constitution or a legislative body
Limited monarchy.
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
Abbr. Ltd. Of or relating to a limited company.
Restrict
(obsolete) Restricted.
Limited
Of, relating to, or being transportation facilities, such as trains or buses, that make few stops and carry relatively few passengers.
Restrict
Restricted.
Limited
A limited train or bus.
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
Simple past tense and past participle of limit
Restrict
Place restrictions on;
Curtail drinking in school
Limited
With certain (often specified) limits placed upon it.
Restrict
Place under restrictions; limit access to;
This substance is controlled
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 limits on (extent or access);
Restrict the use of this parking lot
Limit the time you can spend with your friends
Limited
(rail) An express train that only halts at a limited number of stops.
Restrict
Make more specific;
Qualify these remarks
Limited
Confined within limits; narrow; circumscribed; restricted; as, our views of nature are very limited.
Limited
Small in range or scope;
Limited war
A limited success
A limited circle of friends
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
Common Curiosities
What implications does "limited" have?
It implies restrictions are already in place, affecting scope or capability.
What does it mean to restrict something?
To impose limits or controls on it.
Can something be restricted but not limited?
Yes, the process of restriction may not yet result in noticeable limitations.
What are common reasons for imposing restrictions?
Safety, security, resource management, and regulatory compliance.
How does the concept of limited resources affect planning?
It necessitates more careful management and strategic allocation.
How can the impact of limited options be mitigated?
By exploring alternative solutions or expanding available resources.
What is an example of a beneficial restriction?
Health guidelines that restrict harmful substances to promote public health.
How can businesses deal with limited market reach?
By adopting new marketing strategies or expanding into new markets.
Are there positive aspects to being limited?
It can encourage creativity and problem-solving within constraints.
How do restrictions relate to personal freedoms?
They can protect or infringe upon personal freedoms, depending on context and extent.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
