Threshold

Pronunciation: /ˈθrɛʃ.hoʊld/

Definitions of threshold

noun the magnitude or intensity that must be exceeded for a certain reaction, phenomenon, result, or condition to occur or be manifested

Example Sentences

A1 The cat hesitated at the threshold of the open door.

A2 She was on the threshold of a new career when she decided to change paths.

B1 The company is on the threshold of a major breakthrough in technology.

B2 As she crossed the threshold into the old house, she felt a sense of nostalgia.

C1 The threshold for success in this field is constantly changing.

C2 He was at the threshold of greatness, with the world at his feet.

Examples of threshold in a Sentence

formal The company reached the threshold of profitability after years of hard work.

informal I can't believe we finally crossed the threshold and made some money!

slang We're on the verge of hitting our sales threshold for the month.

figurative She stood at the threshold of a new beginning, ready to leave the past behind.

Grammatical Forms of threshold

• plural: thresholds
• comparative: more threshold
• superlative: most threshold
• present tense: threshold
• future tense: will threshold
• perfect tense: have thresholded
• continuous tense: thresholding
• singular: threshold
• positive degree: threshold
• infinitive: to threshold
• gerund: thresholding
• participle: thresholded

Origin and Evolution of threshold

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'threshold' originated from Old English 'þrescold', which comes from Proto-Germanic 'þreskaldaz', meaning 'door-sill, point of entering'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'threshold' evolved to not only refer to the physical strip at the bottom of a doorway but also to signify a point of entry or beginning, both literally and metaphorically.