Edge: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe the outside limit of an object, area, or surface. Often implies sharpness or a thin line. Can also refer to being on the verge of something, like an emotion or a situation.

• She sat on the edge of the cliff
• He was on the edge of his seat during the movie

Typically used to describe the division between two areas, especially between countries or regions. Less about physical sharpness and more about political or administrative demarcation.

• We crossed the border into Canada yesterday
• The garden is bordered by a wooden fence

Refers to an invisible line that marks the limits of an area, often in a more abstract or conceptual sense, such as personal space or ethical limits.

• You should respect other people's boundaries
• The river forms a natural boundary between the two states

Describes the edge of something round or circular, often a container or natural formation like a crater.

• He ran his finger around the rim of the glass
• They stood at the rim of the volcano

Use when referring to the boundary or outermost part of an object or area. It can also mean the sharp side of a blade.

• She carefully trimmed the edges of the paper.
• Standing on the edge of the cliff.

Often used in a metaphorical sense to indicate being on the verge of something, especially something significant or potentially dangerous.

• He was on the brink of discovering a major breakthrough.
• The country is on the brink of war.

Commonly used to refer to the blank space around the text on a page, or a small amount of something. It can also mean a difference or amount by which something is won or lost.

• Please write your answers in the margins of the paper.
• They won the game by a narrow margin.

Best used in a more technical or mathematical context to describe the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometrical figure or area. It can also mean the boundary itself in a more general sense.

• The security guards patrolled the perimeter of the building.
• Calculate the perimeter of the rectangle.

Use this word to describe being very close to the border or boundary of something.

• She stood at the edge of the cliff, looking down at the ocean
• The table is placed at the edge of the room

Use this word to describe being at a short distance from someone or something. It can refer to both physical and emotional proximity.

• Come closer, I can't hear you
• He is very close to his siblings

This word describes being at a small distance from something. It is often interchangeable with 'close,' but 'near' is more general and less about emotional closeness.

• The park is near our house
• She lives near the school

This word is best used when describing the action of moving closer to something or someone. It implies a process or gradual movement.

• We need to approach this problem from a different angle
• As the holidays approach, the city becomes more crowded