WordValethreshold
the point at which something begins
the level at which something takes effect
the strip at the bottom of a doorway; an entrance point
In more detail
1. (noun) the bottom of a doorway; the floor or ground at an entrance
2. (noun) the point at which something begins or starts to happen
3. (noun) a level or amount that must be reached before something happens
Examples
- 1. She stood on the threshold of the old house, looking inside.
- 2. We are on the threshold of a new era in technology.
- 3. The pain threshold is the point at which pain becomes unbearable.
How to use threshold
Threshold has both literal and figurative uses. The literal sense refers to the bottom strip of a doorway, while the figurative sense describes the point at which something begins to happen or the minimum level needed to trigger an action. It frequently appears in expressions like 'on the threshold of' (meaning about to begin) and in technical or statistical contexts where a specific threshold must be met or exceeded.
Common phrases
- cross the threshold
- on the threshold of
- pain threshold
- threshold level
- high threshold
- low threshold
Synonyms
doorway · entrance · sill · beginning · starting point
Word family
thresholds (plural)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse the spelling (often writing 'threashold') or use 'on threshold' instead of the correct 'on the threshold of' when describing the beginning of something.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD