Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about constrained (AI summary)

The term "constrained" appears in literature with a multifaceted significance that spans physical imposition, emotional suppression, and social or moral obligation. It is employed to depict characters who are bound by external rules or internal pressures, such as a lama abiding strictly by his Rule [1] or a character who, despite personal reluctance, feels obligated to act or speak in a certain way [2][3]. At times, it describes a reserved physical demeanor—a smile or gesture that hints at deeper feelings of restraint [4][5]—while in other contexts it represents a forceful push, whether by circumstance or necessity, as when societal conditions mandate compliance or when characters are compelled to accept harsh realities [6][7][8]. This versatile usage of "constrained" enriches the narrative by exposing the tensions between individual desires and the limits imposed by society, emotion, or fate [9][10].
  1. For the lama, constrained by his Rule, took not the faintest notice of her.
    — from Kim by Rudyard Kipling
  2. Mordaunt hesitated; but it seemed as though he was constrained to tell the truth.
    — from Twenty years after by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet
  3. I felt constrained to give her some parental advice concerning mashing, which she took with a bright smile.
    — from The King in Yellow by Robert W. Chambers
  4. Alexandr Ivanitch gave a constrained smile and rubbed his forehead with his hand.
    — from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
  5. "Let's have some breakfast, Katy," I say with a constrained smile.
    — from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
  6. nothing so stimulated the moral attributes as retorting bullion and washing blankets—still, I felt constrained to ask an increase of salary.
    — from Roughing It by Mark Twain
  7. This pleased her, yet his presence made her feel constrained and oppressed.
    — from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy
  8. If thy brother constrained by poverty, sell himself to thee: thou shalt not oppress him with the service of bondservants.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  9. Now, reft of reason's light, he lies, And bonds his neck oppress; While by the heavy load constrained, His eyes to this dull earth are chained.
    — from The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius
  10. If you wish, I'll see Madame Olenska," he said in a constrained voice.
    — from The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux