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threshold

threshold

137 4.2
The point when something begins or changes into a new state
  • noun
  • /ˈθrɛʃhoʊld/
: umbral
  • The research revealed that students performing below the national average were under the threshold needed to qualify for advanced classes.
  • poverty threshold
  • crossing the threshold
  • exceed the threshold

And therefore that's that's just a threshold I rarely, rarely cross.

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Examples

  • It really has brought us to the threshold of personalized medicine.

  • The company has a policy that we cannot issue loans to clients who score below our credit threshold.

  • Will there be the threshold energy or threshold knowledge to pass this test?

  • Like it's a whole new threshold of experience for you.

  • Well, it's above the threshold of just normal understanding.

  • Dan, we're about to cross the threshold.

  • Right this instant, you are at the threshold of your next trillion years.

  • "You are on the threshold of untold success."

  • Manchester United manager, Matt Busby, this moment, stands on the threshold of a dream.

  • Dr. Meacham, we happen to know that you are on the threshold of discovering limitless amounts of free nuclear energy.

Synonyms

verge
vsthreshold
166 3.7

The edge of a place or situation where something is about to happen

is the neutral boundary where change begins rather than an imminent edge
tipping point
vsthreshold
47 5.3

A moment when a small event causes a big, lasting change

is a broader starting boundary that need not imply drastic change
cusp
vsthreshold
26 6.3

A point in time when something is about to change

is a general starting boundary rather than only the exact moment
inflection point
vsthreshold
5 7.5

A moment when a situation changes in an important way

is a plain starting boundary rather than a marked directional shift
brink
vsthreshold
2 4.5

The very edge of a steep place like a cliff

is usually an abstract starting point rather than a literal physical edge
threshold level
vsthreshold
  • Specialized
1 5.3

The lowest level of sound, light, or touch that you can notice

is a broader boundary where a new state or change begins

Antonyms

141 3.7

An upper limit on the amount or number allowed

Idioms

About to begin something new or important

Compounds

pain threshold
  • Specialized
6 4.2

The smallest amount of pressure or touch that causes pain

threshold level
  • Specialized
1 5.3

The lowest level of sound, light, or touch that you can notice

election threshold
  • Specialized
1 6.7

A minimum percentage of votes a political party must get to win any seats in parliament

threshold function
  • Specialized
1 8.5

A function that gives 1 when an input is above a fixed number and 0 when not

8.8

The smallest change in what you see, hear, or taste that a person can notice

difference threshold
  • Specialized
7.7

The smallest change in something, like light or taste, that a person can notice

absolute threshold
  • Specialized
7.2

The weakest amount of something that a person or animal can notice with their senses

threshold element
  • Specialized
8.1

A part of a circuit that gives an output only when the input reaches a set level

threshold gate
  • Specialized
7.7

An electrical device that sends a signal when enough inputs are active

threshold operation
  • Specialized
6.6

A process that checks values against a set level and marks which values meet it

How Strict

ultimatum
  • Formal
57 7.6
redline
2 6.4
limit
160 1.4
threshold
137 4.2
guideline
282 3.1
suggestion
602 1.4

Surface Forms

threshold singular
thresholds plural

Etymology

Threshold also means the point where something begins, and this meaning comes from the image of stepping over a door threshold into a new place. So, being 'on the threshold' of something is being at its 'starting point'.