WordGarden.iobeyond
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /bɪjˈɒnd/
US
- /ˌbiˈɔnd/
Meanings
Preposition
farther than or on the far side of
later than a stated time or stage
more than or outside a stated amount, limit, or standard
More meaningsFewer meanings
outside the range, power, or understanding of
Beyond the definition
"Beyond" suggests something lies further ahead, either physically or figuratively. Think of it as stepping past the obvious, venturing into what's not immediately visible. You might look beyond the clouds for a glimpse of blue sky, or strive to achieve goals beyond your current reach. It can also mean "on the other side of," like a town lying beyond the mountains. Sometimes it implies something is too difficult or complex to understand—ideas that are beyond our comprehension.
Consider this: A brave explorer doesn't stop at the known world; they push beyond its borders, seeking new lands and adventures. That spirit of going further—that's what "beyond" embodies.
The word "beyond" signifies a point or limit that is farther than something else—whether in terms of distance, time, scope, or understanding. It implies movement past a boundary, venturing into the unknown or unexplored. For example, the phrase "the ship sailed beyond the horizon" indicates it traveled past the visible edge of the sea.
"Beyond" isn't always about physical space; we often use it to describe abstract concepts. To say something is "beyond belief" means it's so extraordinary it's hard to accept as true. Similarly, saying "her kindness went beyond what I expected" suggests an exceptional level of generosity.
It can also indicate exclusion or limitation, such as "no trespassing beyond this point," or a sense of surpassing: "His talent extends beyond mere skill; he has genuine artistry." Furthermore, the phrase "beyond repair" means something is so damaged it cannot be fixed.
Historically, the word comes from Old English roots meaning "on the other side" and retains that spatial sense even in its more figurative uses. Whether you're charting a course on a map, contemplating the limits of human potential, or simply acknowledging a boundary, "beyond" points to what lies further, deeper, or outside the realm of the familiar.
Examples
- 1
Physical location
The campsite is just beyond those trees.
- 2
Time limit
The museum stays open beyond midnight on Fridays.
- 3
Service scope
Their service goes beyond just delivering food.
- 4
Budget limit
The final bill was beyond our budget.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Understanding
Some of these questions are beyond me.
- Phrasebeyond me
too difficult for me to understand
- 6
Control limits
At that point, the delay was beyond our control.
- 7
Damage
The old engine was damaged beyond repair.
- Phrasebeyond repair
too badly damaged to fix
- 8
Emotional intensity
Her kindness was beyond words.
- Phrasebeyond words
too strong or extreme to describe clearly
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- beyondadverb