On The Brink Definitions, Pronunciation, Example Sentences and Forms

Pronunciation: /ɒn ðə brɪŋk/

Definitions of on the brink

noun a word (other than a pronoun) used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things (common noun), or to name a particular one of these (proper noun)

Example Sentences

A1 The country is on the brink of economic collapse.

A2 The team is on the brink of winning the championship.

B1 The company is on the brink of bankruptcy.

B2 The negotiations are on the brink of breaking down.

C1 The world is on the brink of a major environmental crisis.

C2 The political situation is on the brink of escalating into a full-blown conflict.

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 glass was on the brink of falling off the table.

A2 She felt like she was on the brink of tears after hearing the news.

B1 The company is on the brink of bankruptcy due to poor financial management.

B2 The negotiations are on the brink of collapse as neither side is willing to compromise.

C1 The country is on the brink of war, with tensions escalating between neighboring nations.

C2 The scientist's groundbreaking research has put him on the brink of a major scientific discovery.

article a word that is used with a noun to specify grammatical definiteness of the noun, and in some languages extending to volume or numerical scope

Example Sentences

A1 The glass of water was on the brink of falling off the table.

A2 The company is on the brink of bankruptcy if they don't secure more funding.

B1 The negotiations are on the brink of breaking down due to lack of compromise.

B2 The country is on the brink of civil war as tensions escalate between different factions.

C1 The scientist's groundbreaking research has put them on the brink of a major scientific breakthrough.

C2 The athlete's incredible performance has put them on the brink of setting a new world record.

Examples of on the brink in a Sentence

formal The company is on the brink of bankruptcy due to financial mismanagement.

informal She's on the brink of losing her cool if he doesn't stop teasing her.

slang I was on the brink of bailing on the party, but decided to stay for a bit longer.

figurative The relationship is on the brink of collapse if they don't address their issues soon.

Grammatical Forms of on the brink

past tense

was on the brink

plural

are on the brink

comparative

Origin and Evolution of on the brink

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'on the brink' originated from the Middle English word 'brinke' meaning edge or margin.

Evolution of the word: Initially used to describe being at the edge of a physical boundary, the phrase 'on the brink' has evolved to also signify being at the edge of a significant event or decision, often with a sense of imminent danger or change.