outskirts

Everyday

The outskirts of a town or city are the parts at its edge, furthest from the centre. tree →

In the lessons

In geography lessons on settlements, the outskirts often have newer housing estates, retail parks, factories and farmland, while the centre has old buildings and shops. In stories a lonely house «on the outskirts of the village» sets the scene. Phrases: «on the outskirts of», «the outskirts of town».

Examples

• We live on the outskirts of Manchester. tree →
• The big supermarket is on the outskirts of town. tree →
• A spooky old house stood on the outskirts of the village. tree →
• The airport is on the outskirts of the city. tree →
• Farms begin where the outskirts end. tree →
• The army camped on the outskirts of Rome. tree →
• When he came to the outskirts, he called ‘Iron Hans’ three times so loudly that it echoed through the trees. tree →

Note

Always plural: «the outskirts», with «on the outskirts of». No singular «outskirt» in normal use. Similar: «edge», «suburbs» (suburbs are areas of houses around a city).

In Jewish tradition

In Job, "the outskirts of His ways" means only the edges of what God does, which is all that people can understand.

Interpretation. Tradition teaches that God's nature and ways are beyond human knowing. We see only the edge of His greatness.

Examples

• Lo, these are but the outskirts of His ways; and how small a whisper is heard of Him! (Writings JOB.26.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Always plural: «the outskirts», with «on the outskirts of». No singular «outskirt» in normal use. Similar: «edge», «suburbs» (suburbs are areas of houses around a city).