- within */*/*/
- UK [wɪðˈɪn] / US
adverb, preposition
Summary:
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) inside a period of timea) before the end of a period of timeWe expect an announcement within the next 24 hours.
The military government has promised to hold free and fair elections within six months.
b) during a particular period of timeWithin the past few weeks, 215 people have been arrested.
Within living memory these mountains were the home of the brown bear.
c) used for saying how soon one thing happens after anotherWe arrived within two minutes of each other.
Seventy per cent of patients die within a year of becoming infected with the virus.
2) formal inside a place inside an area, building, room, or spaceThe ticket gives students unlimited free travel within the UK.
As she neared the door, she heard voices within and hesitated.
There were four churches within the walls of the ancient city.
Within, the hotel is simple and friendly with a small lounge and a breakfast room.
3) included in a range included in the range of things that are possible, reasonable, or allowedThe government was doing everything within its power to help the victims.
within reason (= not more than is reasonable):Private security firms must still operate within the limits of the law.
I am willing to pay whatever price you ask – within reason.
4) inside a group or organization used when saying what happens in a group or organizationfrom within:Mr Potter complained about the lack of leadership within the health service.
The power structure of the country was being threatened from within.
5) not more than a particular distance or amounta) not more than a particular distance awaywithin reach of something (= close enough to a place for you to go there easily):A shell exploded within 50 metres of the Allied headquarters.
within sight/earshot (= close enough for you to see or hear):Hotel Belvedere is within easy reach of the town centre.
At last our little boat came within sight of Alexandria Bay.
"Hurry up!" Dan yelled, as soon as Peter was within earshot.
b) used for showing that a number is almost correct or accurate because the difference is not more than a particular amountthermometers capable of measuring temperature to within 3°C
6) formal inside yourself used when referring to the qualities, feelings, or thoughts that are in someone's character or mindfrom within:I feel a lot more confident within myself.
She has a kind of spiritual strength that comes from deep within.
English dictionary. 2014.