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Chan-Seung Lee

Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Posts: 1032

Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 5:23 am Post subject: constrain

Quote:

a) the definition of 'constrain' in Longman Dictionary
1.to stop someone from doing what they want to do.
ex)Financial factors should not constrain doctors from prescribing the best treatment for patients.
2.to limit something.
ex)Poor soil has constrained the level of crop production.
b) the definition of 'constrain' in Oxford Dictionary
1.to force somebody to do something or behave in a particular way
ex)The evidence was so compelling that he felt constrained to accept it.
2.to restrict or limit something or somebody
ex)Research has been constrained by a lack of funds.

The definition of 'constrain' in Longman Dictionary differs from that in Oxford Dictionary. In what meaning is 'constrain' frequently used among native speakers?

Thanks.

lotus

Joined: 25 Jan 2004
Posts: 862

Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 2:16 pm Post subject:

Hi Chan-Seung Lee, They are all correct. http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?refid=1861599809 Number two is the most common. --lotus _________________ War does not make one great --Yoda

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