/ wɪˈðɪn; NAmE / preposition , adverb
■ preposition
1.
before a particular period of time has passed; during a particular period of time :
You should receive a reply within seven days.
The ambulance arrived within minutes of the call being made.
Two elections were held within the space of a year.
2.
not further than a particular distance from sth :
a house within a mile of the station
Is it within walking distance ?
3.
inside the range or limits of sth :
That question is not within the scope of this talk.
We are now within range of enemy fire.
He finds it hard to live within his income (= without spending more than he earns) .
OPP outside
4.
( formal ) inside sth/sb :
The noise seems to be coming from within the building.
There is discontent within the farming industry.
■ adverb
( formal ) inside :
Cleaner required. Apply within. (= on a sign)
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WORD ORIGIN
late Old English withinnan on the inside