Periphery

The term “periphery” refers to the outer limits or edges of an area, space, or object. It is often used to describe the boundary or fringe of a specific place, whether it’s physical, like the periphery of a city, or metaphorical, like the periphery of a discussion or society. In broader contexts, it can also denote the outermost or less important aspects of a situation, group, or concept, implying something that is secondary or marginal compared to the central focus. The word suggests distance from the center, either in a spatial or social sense, highlighting things or people that are on the edge rather than in the core.

Here are 10 sentences using “periphery” to clarify its meaning:

• The research focused on the city’s center, neglecting the periphery where many low-income families reside.
• The artist’s work often explored themes at the periphery of mainstream culture, challenging conventional norms.
• He felt like an outsider, always lingering on the periphery of the social group.
• On the periphery of the battlefield, the soldiers watched as the main forces clashed in the distance.
• The company’s headquarters was in the heart of the city, but its factories were located on the periphery.
• During the meeting, the important decisions were made by those at the center, leaving the periphery to handle minor issues.
• The periphery of the forest is home to many animals, but the dense center remains untouched.
• She sat on the periphery of the event, unsure whether to get involved with the crowd.
• The periphery of the town is less developed, with few businesses and scattered houses.
• The politician’s ideas were considered to be on the periphery of mainstream political discourse.

Synonyms for “periphery”:

• Edge
• Border
• Outskirts
• Fringe
• Boundary
• Margins
• Limit
• Rim
• Verge
• Outer limits

Edge

An edge refers to the boundary or the outermost part of something, typically where two surfaces or sides meet.

• The book had a torn edge from years of handling, but the pages inside were intact.
• She stood at the edge of the cliff, looking out over the vast ocean below.
• The table had a smooth, rounded edge that made it safer for children.

Border

A border is a line or boundary that separates two areas, often used in the context of countries, regions, or territories.

• The border between the two countries was heavily guarded to control immigration.
• They crossed the border into another state to explore the new city.
• The garden was enclosed by a wooden border, keeping the plants neatly contained.

Outskirts

Outskirts refer to the areas that lie on the outer edges of a city or town, often less developed or populated than the center.

• They decided to build their house on the outskirts of the city to enjoy more space and quieter surroundings.
• The factory was located on the outskirts, far from the residential areas, to minimize noise.
• The outskirts of the town were rural, with farms and large open fields stretching out.

Fringe

Fringe refers to the outermost part or edge of something, often used to describe areas that are marginal or less central.

• The festival was held on the fringe of the city, with street performers adding to the lively atmosphere.
• He lived on the fringe of the community, away from the bustling city center.
• The artist’s work was often considered on the fringe of the mainstream art scene, admired by a niche audience.

Boundary

A boundary is a line that marks the limits or borders of an area, often signifying the separation between two regions or territories.

• The river serves as the natural boundary between the two countries.
• The garden’s boundary was marked by a low stone wall.
• There were clear boundaries between work and personal life, which helped him maintain a healthy balance.

Margins

Margins refer to the borders or edges of a page, document, or space, or the outer limits of something, often representing unused or empty space.

• She left a one-inch margin on all sides of the paper to ensure that the text was neatly centered.
• The margins of the field were covered with wildflowers, creating a beautiful, natural border.
• He had little time left, so he worked within the margins of the schedule to meet the deadline.

Limit

A limit refers to the maximum or minimum boundary or extent of something, beyond which something cannot go or exceed.

• There’s a speed limit on the highway to ensure the safety of drivers.
• The limit on the number of people allowed in the room was strictly enforced due to safety regulations.
• She reached her emotional limit and had to step away from the stressful situation.

Rim

A rim is the outer edge or border of a circular object, such as a wheel, cup, or container.

• The rim of the cup was chipped, making it uncomfortable to drink from.
• He ran his fingers along the rim of the bowl, admiring the delicate design.
• The tire had a shiny metal rim that gleamed under the sunlight.

Verge

Verge refers to the edge or brink of something, often used to describe being on the point of something happening or approaching a limit.

• She was on the verge of tears after hearing the heartbreaking news.
• The company is on the verge of a breakthrough in technology that could revolutionize the industry.
• They stood on the verge of the forest, preparing to venture deeper into the woods.

Outer Limits

Outer limits refer to the furthest or extreme boundaries of something, beyond which it is no longer possible or known.

• The spacecraft was exploring the outer limits of the solar system, sending back valuable data.
• She pushed the outer limits of her endurance during the marathon, almost reaching her physical peak.
• The outer limits of the city were quiet and peaceful, far from the noise of urban life.

Antonyms for “periphery”:

• Center
• Core
• Heart
• Nucleus
• Focus
• Middle
• Interior

Center

The center refers to the middle point or area of something, often implying balance or a focal point.

• The park’s center had a beautiful fountain, which became a gathering spot for visitors.
• He placed the vase in the center of the table, where it would be noticed by everyone.
• The heart of the city was filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.

Core

Core refers to the central, most essential part of something, or the most important aspect.

• The core of the issue was about miscommunication between the two teams.
• Her values formed the core of her character, guiding every decision she made.
• The core of the earth is made up of molten iron and nickel.

Heart

Heart refers to the central or most important part of something, often used metaphorically to represent emotion or essence.

• The heart of the city is its historic district, where many tourists flock to explore.
• She felt that helping others was the heart of her purpose in life.
• The heart of the argument was about fairness and equal treatment for all.

Nucleus

Nucleus refers to the central, core part of something, especially in biological or scientific contexts, like in atoms or cells.

• The nucleus of the atom contains protons and neutrons, which determine its properties.
• The CEO was considered the nucleus of the company, making all major decisions.
• In the cell, the nucleus holds the DNA and controls cell activities.

Focus

Focus refers to the concentration or central point of attention or activity.

• She tried to focus on her studies despite the noise in the background.
• The focus of the meeting was to discuss the new marketing strategies.
• The lens of the camera needs to be adjusted to bring the subject into sharp focus.

Middle

Middle refers to the central or intermediate point in between two extremes, either in a sequence, position, or area.

• They decided to sit in the middle of the room so they could see the stage from all angles.
• The middle of the day is when most people take a break for lunch.
• The middle child often finds themselves caught between the older and younger siblings.

Interior

Interior refers to the inside or inner part of something, especially in contrast to its exterior.

• The interior of the house was decorated with modern furniture and soft, neutral colors.
• The car’s interior was equipped with leather seats and a high-tech entertainment system.
• The museum’s interior was filled with artifacts, showcasing ancient history.

Related Words:

• Peripheral
• Suburb
• Outlying
• Marginal
• Expanse

Peripheral

Peripheral refers to the outermost area or boundary of something, often used to describe areas or items that are secondary or less important.

• His concerns were more peripheral, focusing on details that didn’t affect the overall project.
• The city’s peripheral neighborhoods are growing rapidly as more people move out of the downtown area.
• The peripheral devices connected to the computer included a mouse, keyboard, and printer.

Suburb

A suburb is a residential area situated on the outskirts of a city, typically less densely populated than the urban core.

• They moved to a quiet suburb to enjoy more space and a slower pace of life.
• The suburb had well-kept parks and schools, making it a popular choice for families.
• The commute from the suburb to the city center took about 30 minutes by car.

Outlying

Outlying refers to areas or parts that are located far from the center or core, often on the edges of a region.

• The outlying villages were harder to access, with no paved roads leading to them.
• The outlying districts of the city lacked some of the modern amenities found in the downtown area.
• They ventured into the outlying areas of the national park to explore the wilderness.

Marginal

Marginal refers to something that is of minimal importance, significance, or relevance, often on the edges or periphery of a main focus.

• The proposal was considered marginal, offering only slight improvements to the existing system.
• The marginal areas of the city have fewer resources and are often overlooked by city planners.
• She made a marginal improvement in her performance after months of training.

Expanse

Expanse refers to a vast, open area or stretch of land, sea, or sky, typically suggesting wide, unbroken space.

• The desert stretched out before them, an endless expanse of sand under the hot sun.
• From the mountaintop, they could see the expanse of the valley below, dotted with small villages.
• The ocean’s vast expanse seemed to go on forever, with no land in sight.

Idiomatic Expressions:

• “On the periphery of” – To be involved in a situation in a minor or indirect way.
• “At the edge of” – Being at the limit or boundary of something.
• “On the fringes” – Being at the outer limits of a group or concept, often in a non-mainstream sense.

“On the periphery of”

“On the periphery of” means to be involved in a situation in a minor or indirect way, often outside the main focus.

• He was on the periphery of the conversation, only contributing occasionally with his ideas.
• While she worked in the office, she was on the periphery of the company’s major decision-making processes.
• The small startup remained on the periphery of the tech industry, not yet a significant player.

“At the edge of”

“At the edge of” refers to being at the limit or boundary of something, often suggesting proximity to a transition or change.

• She stood at the edge of the cliff, looking out over the vast ocean below.
• The team was at the edge of winning, with only one point needed to secure the victory.
• The house was located at the edge of the forest, where the trees met the open field.

“On the fringes”

“On the fringes” refers to being at the outer limits of a group, idea, or activity, often in a non-mainstream or marginal way.

• He lived on the fringes of society, choosing an unconventional lifestyle away from the norm.
• The artist’s work was on the fringes of the art world, gaining recognition from only a few critics.
• She spent most of her time on the fringes of the political debate, observing rather than participating directly.