Periphery
/pəˈrɪfəri/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe outermost part or boundary of something.
/pəˈrɪfəri/
The outer limits or edge of an area or object.
The new shopping mall is located on the periphery of the city.
💡 Simply: Imagine a pizza. The periphery is the crust, the edge where all the good stuff (the toppings) ends. It's the boundary around the main part.
👶 For kids: The outside edge of something, like the edge of your plate.
More Examples
She observed the events from the periphery, careful not to get involved.
The security cameras covered the entire periphery of the building.
How It's Used
"The city's periphery includes several suburban towns."
"He felt on the periphery of the conversation, not really understanding the topic."
A position or role of secondary importance.
/pəˈrɪfəri/
A secondary or minor part; a less important area.
The small town felt on the periphery compared to the bustling city.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're watching a big group of people. If you're on the periphery, you're on the edge, maybe not right in the middle of the action. You're still there, but you're not the main focus.
👶 For kids: Being on the side, not the main part, of something.
More Examples
Although she was part of the team, her role was on the periphery.
The issue remained on the periphery of their concerns.
How It's Used
"The marketing department often operates on the periphery of decision-making."
"Some felt that the art community existed on the periphery of mainstream culture."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
on the periphery
In a position of secondary importance or being at the edge or outside of something.
"Despite his efforts, he remained on the periphery of the project."
From Late Latin *peripheria*, from Greek *periphereia* 'circumference,' from *peripherēs* 'moving around,' from *peri-* 'around' + *pherein* 'to carry, bear.'
Historically used in geographical and scientific contexts to describe boundaries or outer regions.
Memory tip
Think of a circle – the periphery is the edge.
Word Origin
"circumference"