Threshold Meaning
Threshold Definition & Usage
The bottom of a doorway, or a point or level at which something begins or changes.
Examples
- "She stepped over the threshold and entered the house for the first time."
- "The car hit a large threshold at the entrance, causing the tires to scrape the ground."
- "He paused at the threshold of the room, uncertain about entering."
- "The threshold of the temple was marked with intricate carvings."
- "As they crossed the threshold into the new office, they were greeted by the whole team."
A point at which a change or new state occurs, especially a significant or critical one.
Examples
- "The new policy marks a threshold for the company’s future direction."
- "She was on the threshold of a breakthrough in her research."
- "This decision could be the threshold between success and failure."
- "He reached a threshold in his career where he needed to decide whether to continue or change paths."
- "The threshold of pain can vary greatly from person to person."
A point at which an emotional, psychological, or sensory response is triggered.
Examples
- "She reached the emotional threshold and burst into tears."
- "His anger crossed the threshold of what was acceptable in the meeting."
- "The noise was so loud it crossed the threshold of pain."
- "They were on the threshold of exhaustion, having worked for hours without rest."
- "The smell of fresh cookies crossed my sensory threshold, and I couldn’t resist."
Cultural Context
In both literal and figurative uses, the term 'threshold' refers to a point of transition or change. It often evokes imagery of crossing from one state or place into another. The word also has historical significance in religious or architectural contexts, where thresholds were seen as symbolic gateways to new experiences or sanctified spaces.
The Threshold of Change
Story
The Threshold of Change
It was the moment of transition. A small town nestled in the valley had always been a place of comfort and familiarity for Eva, but as she stood before the door to her new office, she felt an inexplicable sense of nervousness. The threshold—literally and metaphorically—marked the beginning of something new. For years, she had been working toward this career milestone, but now, as she crossed that very threshold, doubts crept in. Would she be able to live up to the expectations placed upon her? Inside the office, the air felt different. It was more professional, more serious. A few colleagues were already there, standing at their desks, but Eva hesitated, unsure of how to begin. She had reached the threshold of a new chapter in her life—one that promised challenges and rewards—but also required a level of commitment she had never experienced before. Her mentor, Sarah, appeared at the door, breaking the silence. 'Eva, you’ve crossed the threshold. You’re here now. This is your time.' Sarah’s words lifted some of the weight off her shoulders, reminding Eva that this was just the beginning of a journey she had been preparing for. The threshold was not just a barrier to overcome; it was an invitation to evolve, to take the next step. In that moment, Eva realized that thresholds weren’t just physical boundaries. They represented milestones—critical points of decision where everything could change with a single step.
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