Within vs. Without — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 17, 2024
"Within" denotes being inside or included in a boundary or limit, while "without" means lacking something or being outside of a boundary.
Difference Between Within and Without
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Within" is used to indicate that something occurs inside or during a specified limit, such as time or space. For example, when one says they will finish a task within an hour, it implies that the task will be completed before the hour is up. Conversely, "without" denotes the absence of something or someone, or not having something. For instance, if a recipe is described as being made without nuts, it means nuts are not included in the ingredients.
The term "within" can also suggest containment within physical boundaries or inclusion within groups or categories. For example, discussing topics within the context of science confines the discussion to scientific subjects. On the other hand, "without" can imply exclusion or an external position relative to boundaries or limits. Saying someone is without a friend in a new city indicates they have no friends there.
"Within" often conveys a sense of inclusion, limitation, or scope, indicating that something operates inside a defined range. For instance, employees working within a company are part of that organization. Whereas "without" can highlight a deficiency or need, as in living without basic amenities, emphasizing what is missing or unavailable.
In terms of emotions or abstract concepts, "within" might be used to express something internally felt or possessed, such as peace within oneself. "Without," in contrast, could express a lack of external expression or absence, such as without joy.
"Within" can denote being a part of something, suggesting inclusion or internal involvement. "Without" often means outside of something, either literally or figuratively, suggesting separation or exclusion from the main group or topic.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Inside or included within a boundary or limit
Lacking something, or outside of a boundary
Usage
Specifies time, space, or conditions
Indicates absence or exclusion
Connotation
Inclusion, internal presence
Absence, external absence
Example Usage
"Within the city limits"
"Without any hesitation"
Emotional Use
Internal feelings or states (peace within)
Lacking external expressions (without joy)
Compare with Definitions
Within
Occurring inside a particular period or limit.
He promised to return the call within twenty-four hours.
Without
Externally, not within or inside.
The lines formed without the building.
Within
Internally, inside oneself or one’s mind.
She felt a sense of calm within.
Without
Lacking a particular quality or element.
The recipe was made without salt.
Within
Operating inside a particular scope or area.
They worked within the guidelines provided.
Without
Beyond or past certain limits.
Without this boundary, the area becomes unsafe.
Within
Included as part of a whole.
The topic is covered within the first chapter of the book.
Without
In the absence of something.
They went on the trip without any luggage.
Within
Inside or enclosed by boundaries.
She found the document within the stack of books.
Without
Not having the involvement or presence of.
They finished the project without him.
Within
In or into the inner part; inside
"restaurants and wine houses jammed along the earthen streets ... banners flapping to announce the delights within" (Nicole Mones).
Without
On the outside
A sturdy structure within and without.
Within
Inside the mind, heart, or soul; inwardly
The fear that lies within.
Without
With something absent or lacking
Had to do without.
Within
In the inner part or parts of; inside
The streets within the city.
Resentment seething within him.
Without
Not having; lacking
A family without a car.
Within
Not exceeding the limits or extent of in distance or time
Got within ten miles of home.
Stayed within earshot.
Arrived within two days.
Without
Not accompanied by; in the absence of
Volunteered without hesitation.
Spoke without thinking.
Within
Not exceeding the fixed limits of; not beyond
Lived within her income.
Without
At, on, to, or toward the outside or exterior of
Standing without the door.
Within
In the scope or sphere of
Acted within the law.
Within the medical profession.
Without
An outer position, place, or area
A threat to security that came from without.
Within
Used to indicate a range to be covered or an amount necessary before something can happen
The team has pulled to within three points and can tie the game with a field goal.
Without
Unless
"You don't know about me without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (Mark Twain).
Within
An inner position, place, or area
Treachery from within.
Without
Outside, externally. This is still used in the names of some civil parishes in England, e.g. St Cuthbert Without.
Within
In the inner part, spatially; physically inside.
Within her studio
Without
Lacking something.
Being from a large, poor family, he learned to live without.
Within
In the scope or range of.
Within his hearing;
Her within five seconds of breaking the record;
Within an inch of falling overboard
Without
(euphemism) In prostitution: without a condom being worn.
Within
Before the specified duration ends.
Leave here within three days.
Without
Outside of, beyond.
Within
In or into the interior; inside.
Without
Not having, containing, characteristic of, etc.
It was a mistake to leave my house without a coat.
Within
(legal) In the context of which the present document or ruling is made.
The within appeal
Without
Not doing or not having done something.
He likes to eat everything without sharing.
He shot without warning anyone.
Within
In the inner or interior part of; inside of; not without; as, within doors.
O, unhappy youth!Come not within these doors; within this roofThe enemy of all your graces lives.
Till this be cured by religion, it is as impossible for a man to be happy - that is, pleased and contented within himself - as it is for a sick man to be at ease.
Without
Unless, except introducing a clause.
Within
In the limits or compass of; not further in length than; as, within five miles; not longer in time than; as, within an hour; not exceeding in quantity; as, expenses kept within one's income.
Within these five hours lived Lord Hastings,Untainted, unexamined, free, at liberty.
Without
On or at the outside of; out of; not within; as, without doors.
Without the gateSome drive the cars, and some the coursers rein.
Within
Hence, inside the limits, reach, or influence of; not going outside of; not beyond, overstepping, exceeding, or the like.
Both he and she are still within my power.
Within himselfThe danger lies, yet lies within his power.
Were every action concluded within itself, and drew no consequence after it, we should, undoubtedly, never err in our choice of good.
Without
Out of the limits of; out of reach of; beyond.
Eternity, before the world and after, is without our reach.
Within
In the inner part; inwardly; internally.
Ills from within thy reason must prevent.
Without
Not with; otherwise than with; in absence of, separation from, or destitution of; not with use or employment of; independently of; exclusively of; with omission; as, without labor; without damage.
I wolde it do withouten negligence.
Wise men will do it without a law.
Without the separation of the two monarchies, the most advantageous terms . . . must end in our destruction.
There is no living with thee nor without thee.
Within
In the house; in doors; as, the master is within.
Without
Unless; except; - introducing a clause.
You will never live to my age without you keep yourselves in breath with exercise, and in heart with joyfulness.
Within
On the inside;
Inside, the car is a mess
Without
On or art the outside; not on the inside; not within; outwardly; externally.
Without were fightings, within were fears.
Without
Outside of the house; out of doors.
The people came unto the house without.
Common Curiosities
What is the basic difference between "within" and "without"?
"Within" refers to being inside or included within boundaries, while "without" refers to the absence or exclusion from something.
What does "without" indicate in emotional contexts?
In emotional contexts, "without" can express a lack of feelings, such as joy or enthusiasm.
How does "within" relate to time?
"Within" can specify a time frame in which something must occur, indicating limits or constraints.
How does "without" affect the tone of a statement?
"Without" can make a statement seem stark or emphatic, especially when highlighting an absence or lack.
How do "within" and "without" affect the clarity of instructions?
Using "within" or "without" can clarify instructions by clearly setting boundaries or conditions, or by specifying what should not be included or considered.
Is "without" just about physical absence?
No, "without" can also refer to lacking qualities, elements, or abstract concepts, not just physical absence.
Can "within" and "without" be used in the same context?
Yes, they can be used to describe opposite conditions in the same context, like describing something happening inside and outside a boundary.
Is "within" always about physical boundaries?
Not always; "within" can also refer to limits or scopes in abstract terms, such as within the law or within reason.
Can "without" imply independence?
Yes, in some contexts, "without" can imply doing something independently or without assistance.
Can "within" imply limitations?
Yes, "within" often implies limitations or restrictions regarding space, time, or conditions.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
