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Edge: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ช
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edge

 

[ษ›dส’ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

of a cliff

The sharp side or surface of something, especially of a blade or cutting implement.

Synonyms

border, boundary, rim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
edge

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
border

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
boundary

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
rim

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

Examples of usage

  • The knife had a razor-sharp edge.
  • The car teetered on the edge of the cliff.
Context #2 | Noun

of a surface

The outside limit of an object, area, or surface; a place or part farthest away from the center of something.

Synonyms

brink, margin, perimeter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
edge

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.
brink

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.
margin

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.
perimeter

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.

Examples of usage

  • She sat on the edge of the bed.
  • The garden was on the edge of the forest.
Context #3 | Verb

of a situation

Be on the point of doing or achieving something.

Synonyms

approach, close, near.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
edge

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
close

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
near

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
approach

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

Examples of usage

  • She was on edge after hearing the news.
  • We are on the edge of a major breakthrough.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Derived from the Old English 'รฆcg,' meaning 'sword blade' or 'sharpness,' reflecting the idea of something being sharp or distinct.
  • In Middle English, 'egge' was used to refer to the edge of blades, showing the long-standing connection to sharpness.
  • The term has evolved to include meanings related to boundaries and margins in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Science

  • In geometry, an edge is a line where two surfaces meet, such as in a cube where the faces intersect.
  • The concept of an edge is important in graph theory, where it refers to a connection between two nodes, affecting network analysis.
  • The edge effect in ecology describes how ecosystems change at the boundary between two different habitats, impacting biodiversity.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'living on the edge' has become a popular phrase in songs and literature, suggesting a lifestyle that embraces risk and excitement.
  • In video games and movies, characters who operate on the 'edge' often showcase daring adventures, portraying themes of thrill and danger.
  • The band U2 has a famous guitarist known as The Edge, symbolizing innovation and creativity in music.

Psychology

  • The 'edge' can refer to a mental state of being on the brink of something, like achieving goals or overcoming fears.
  • In therapeutic contexts, the 'edge' might represent a threshold of change, encapsulating the idea of stepping out of comfort zones.
  • People often seek out experiences at the edge of their emotional or physical limits to gain new perspectives or personal growth.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often find themselves at the edge of decisions or conflicts, highlighting moments of tension and resolution.
  • Edgy literature, a genre focusing on controversial topics and risky ideas, often pushes readers to confront societal norms.
  • Metaphorically, the edge serves as a symbol of boundary-crossing in stories, representing growth, danger, or transformation.

Translations

Translations of the word "edge" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น borda

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคฟเคจเคพเคฐเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Rand

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tepi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบั€ะฐะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ krawฤ™dลบ

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ซฏ (ใฏใ—)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท bord

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ borde

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kenar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุญุงูุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ okraj

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ okraj

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่พน็ผ˜ (biฤnyuรกn)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ rob

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ brรบn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะตั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ–แƒฆแƒ•แƒแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kษ™nar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ borde

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,452, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.