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Definition within in British English

within adverb, preposition

adverb, preposition
/wɪðˈɪn/

Within can be used in the following ways:

as a preposition (followed by a noun): Can you complete the work within a month?

as an adverb (without a following noun): As Helen approached the front door, she could hear a telephone ringing within.

1

before the end of a period of time

1.1

before the end of a period of time

Example

We expect an announcement within the next 24 hours.

Example

The military government has promised to hold free and fair elections within six months.

Synonyms and related words
then all last
1.2

during a particular period of time

Example

Within the past few weeks, 215 people have been arrested.

Example

Within living memory these mountains were the home of the brown bear.

Synonyms and related words
during within throughout
1.3

used for saying how soon one thing happens after another

Example

We arrived within two minutes of each other.

Example

Seventy per cent of patients die within a year of becoming infected with the virus.

Example

The ticket gives students unlimited free travel within the UK.

Example

As she neared the door, she heard voices within and hesitated.

Example

There were four churches within the walls of the ancient city.

Example

Within, the hotel is simple and friendly with a small lounge and a breakfast room.

Synonyms and related words
inside indoors interior
3

included in the range of things that are possible, reasonable, or allowed

Example

The government was doing everything within its power to help the victims.

Example

Private security firms must still operate within the limits of the law.

Example

I am willing to pay whatever price you ask - within reason.

Synonyms and related words
everything whole all
4

used when saying what happens in a group or organization

Example

Mr Potter complained about the lack of leadership within the health service.

Example

The power structure of the country was being threatened from within.

5

not more than a particular distance away

5.1

not more than a particular distance away

Example

A shell exploded within 50 metres of the Allied headquarters.

Example

Hotel Belvedere is within easy reach of the town centre.

Example

At last our little boat came within sight of Alexandria Bay.

Example

'Hurry up!' Dan yelled, as soon as Peter was within earshot.

Synonyms and related words
long little away
5.2

used for showing that a number is almost correct or accurate because the difference is not more than a particular amount

Example

thermometers capable of measuring temperature to within 3°C

6

used when referring to the qualities, feelings, or thoughts that are in someone's character or mind

Example

I feel a lot more confident within myself.

Example

She has a kind of spiritual strength that comes from deep within.

Definition within in British English

Related Words

Words related to within:

bar (noun) be within your rights (to do something) (phrase) someone (to) within an inch of their life (phrase) come within a whisker of something (phrase) come within an inch of doing something (phrase) a short space of time (phrase) sight (phrase) live your means (phrase) wheels within wheels (phrase) within (adverb, preposition) within an ace of doing something (phrase) within easy distance (phrase) within hearing (phrase) within limits (phrase) within someone’s reach (phrase) within spitting distance (of something) (phrase) within striking distance (of something) (phrase) within the hour (phrase) within etc distance (phrase) the capabilities of (phrase)