Pronunciation: /ɒn ɛdʒ/

Definitions of on edge

noun a word (other than a pronoun) used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

Example Sentences

A1 She was always on edge whenever she heard a loud noise.

A2 The cat's behavior indicated that it was on edge and ready to pounce.

B1 The constant pressure at work has put him on edge lately.

B2 After the accident, she was constantly on edge whenever she drove on the highway.

C1 The tense political situation has left the entire country on edge.

C2 Living in a high-crime area can keep people on edge at all times.

adverb a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb

Example Sentences

A1 She was on edge during the thunderstorm.

A2 The cat is always on edge around strangers.

B1 The team was on edge before the championship game.

B2 The detective was on edge as he entered the suspect's house.

C1 The pilot was on edge as he attempted to land the plane in turbulent weather.

C2 The negotiator remained on edge throughout the tense hostage situation.

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

Example Sentences

A1 The cat was on edge when the dog approached.

A2 She always feels on edge when speaking in public.

B1 The team is on edge as they wait for the final results.

B2 The detective was on edge as he entered the dark alley.

C1 The entire city was on edge after the news of the impending storm.

C2 The soldiers were on edge as they prepared for the upcoming battle.

Examples of on edge in a Sentence

formal The constant changes in the stock market have left investors on edge.

informal I've been on edge ever since I heard about the upcoming exam.

slang She's been on edge all day because of the argument with her friend.

figurative The suspenseful movie had me on edge the entire time.

Grammatical Forms of on edge

past tense

edged

plural

on edges

comparative

more on edge

superlative

most on edge

present tense

on edge

future tense

will be on edge

perfect tense

have been on edge

continuous tense

is on edge

singular

on edge

positive degree

on edge

infinitive

to be on edge

gerund

being on edge

participle

on edging

Origin and Evolution of on edge

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The phrase 'on edge' is believed to have originated from the Old English word 'ecg' which means 'sharp edge'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe something with a sharp edge, the phrase 'on edge' evolved to describe a feeling of nervousness or tension in the 17th century.