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Threshold

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. The level or point at which something begins or changes.
2. A boundary or starting point for a new phase, condition, or situation.
3. A strip of wood, metal, or stone that forms the bottom of a doorway, marking the entrance.
4. A limit or threshold amount that must be reached or exceeded for a certain result or outcome to occur.

History and Origin

The word “threshold” comes from the Old English þrescal or þrescold, meaning “a piece of wood or stone at the entrance of a house,” derived from þrescan, meaning “to thresh,” as it referred to the area where grain was threshed before being brought inside. It gradually evolved to signify the entrance or boundary of a room or building, and by the 16th century, the meaning expanded metaphorically to represent any starting point or critical point where change occurs.

Detailed Explanation

A “threshold” can refer to both a physical and a figurative boundary. Physically, it refers to the base of a doorway, the level that one steps over when entering or exiting a room or building. It can also metaphorically represent a significant point or limit beyond which something will change or progress, such as reaching a particular level of income or success. In various contexts, a threshold can denote the minimum required for something to happen, like the threshold of pain or the threshold for a decision to be made. It marks a critical transition from one state to another, whether it’s in a personal, financial, or societal context.

Example Sentences

1. The doctor explained that the threshold for normal blood pressure is below 120/80.
2. Stepping across the threshold, she felt a sense of new beginnings.
3. The threshold of the house was decorated with flowers to welcome guests.
4. The threshold for eligibility in the program was set at a minimum GPA of 3.0.
5. He reached the threshold of his career, ready for a promotion.
6. The pain threshold was surpassed during the intense workout.
7. They crossed the threshold of their new home and felt immediately at ease.
8. The new policy will take effect once the threshold of public support is reached.
9. She felt nervous as she crossed the threshold into the job interview room.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Boundary – A line or limit that marks the extent of something, often used similarly to threshold in terms of defining limits.
2. Limit – The maximum or minimum boundary beyond which something changes or cannot proceed, often linked to a threshold.
3. Entrance – The point or space through which one enters, sometimes used interchangeably with threshold in the context of an entryway.
4. Starting point – The beginning stage or point of something, similar to a threshold marking the start of a process.
5. Point of entry – A specific place where one can enter a space, often synonymous with threshold in physical contexts.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Gateway – An opening or structure that acts as a passage, metaphorically similar to a threshold marking the entry into something new.
2. Cusp – A point of transition, often used to describe the moment when a significant change occurs, akin to a threshold.
3. Cutoff – A limit or boundary point that marks a transition, often used in contexts like thresholds for performance or qualifications.
4. Limit – A restriction or boundary point, often used when referring to thresholds in various measures or conditions.
5. Breakpoint – A point at which something changes significantly, similar to crossing a threshold in processes or states.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Barrier – A hindrance or limit to progress, sometimes representing a threshold beyond which things change.
2. Edge – The outermost point of something, similar to a threshold in indicating a boundary or transition.
3. Threshold effect – A term used in science and economics to describe a point at which a small change can cause a significant difference or transition.
4. Entry – The act or place of entering, often used to describe a threshold as a physical or metaphorical entry point.
5. Breaking point – The moment at which something reaches its limit or tipping point, closely related to the concept of a threshold.

Antonyms

1. Limitlessness
2. End
3. Boundarylessness
4. Abyss
5. Impossibility