Meaning & use
boundary crossing
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Meaning
nouncountable or uncountable
The act of going beyond a limit or accepted line, often between groups, disciplines, or areas of activity.
Grammar: Can be used as a countable noun (a boundary crossing) or uncountable (boundary crossing as a concept).
Patterns
- boundary crossing between something
- a boundary crossing
The collaboration involved a boundary crossing between art and science.
Boundary crossing in social relationships can be risky if not handled carefully.
The novel is about a boundary crossing between reality and fantasy.
Word forms
| plural | boundary crossings |
|---|
Common combinations
- boundary crossing between
- The project encouraged boundary crossing between different departments.
- a boundary crossing
- Moving from student to teacher is a major boundary crossing.
- boundary-crossing (adjective)
- Her boundary-crossing research combines biology and computer science.
Synonyms and how they differ
- transgression
- More formal and often implies breaking a rule or moral limit; 'boundary crossing' is more neutral and can be positive.
- crossing over
- A phrasal noun that is less formal and often used for changing sides or categories.
Word family
- boundary noun
- A line that marks a limit or border.
- cross verb
- To go from one side to the other.
- boundary-crossing adjective
- Describing something that crosses boundaries, e.g., 'boundary-crossing work'.
Commonly confused: boundary crossing or border crossing?
boundary crossing vs border crossing
Usually refers to physically crossing a border between countries. 'Boundary crossing' is more abstract and can refer to social, academic, or personal limits.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'boundary crossing' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Boundary crossing' is often abstract, meaning going beyond a limit between fields or groups. Option 1 fits. Options 0 and 3 refer to physical borders, which would be 'border crossing', and option 2 is not a natural use.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “boundary crossing”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.