Border Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈboʊrdər/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A edge or line that marks the boundary of an area or a physical or conceptual separation between two entities, such as a country, a region, or a concept.

Examples

• The border between the two countries was heavily fortified.
• The concept of the border between reality and fantasy was blurred in the story.

Synonyms

• Edge
• Boundary
• Limiter

Antonyms

• Centre
• Core
• Interior

Etymology

The word “border” originates from the Old English word “bord”, which means “border” or “edge”.

Additional Information

From a geographical perspective, a border is a physical barrier or line that separates two or more distinct areas. In a broader sense, a border can also refer to a conceptual or metaphorical division between two entities. In art and architecture, a border can also refer to the decorative edge or frame of a work, such as a painting or a rug. Borders can be natural, such as a river or a mountain range, or human-made, such as a wall or a fence.

Usage Notes

When using the word “border” in a sentence, pay attention to the context in which it is used. A border can be used to describe a physical or conceptual separation, so it’s important to consider the intended meaning when using the word.

Cultural References

The border is often mentioned in works of literature and art, where it is used to symbolize the separation between two worlds or the tension between different cultural or national identities. For example, in the novel “The Border” by Don DeLillo, the border between the United States and Mexico is used to explore themes of identity, culture, and politics.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• To be on the border of something means to be on the verge of doing or achieving something.
• To blur the border between two things means to merge or combine them in some way.

Related Words or Phrases

• Perimeter
• Edge
• Limiter

Collocations

• border control
• border patrol
• border crossing

Frequency of Use

The word “border” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in geographical and political contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Boarder
• Bonder