Reading Theme:
Threshold Definition, Usage & Key Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：starting point (threshold)
threshold
/ˈθreʃ.həʊld/
n.
The point where something begins or starts.
starting point
➕
/ˈstɑː.tɪŋ pɔɪnt/
n.
The minimum level or point at which something begins, becomes applicable, or qualifies.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English "þrescold," related to "þrescan" (to thresh or tread).
💡 Mnemonic
THRESH sounds like THRASH (beat). HOLD onto the thrashing door THRESHold as you enter a new place.
📖 Example
I finally reached the income threshold to qualify for a mortgage.
I finally met the minimum income requirement to be eligible for a home loan.
🔗 Collocations
tax threshold – The income level above which one starts paying tax.
pain threshold – The point at which a stimulus begins to cause pain.
noise threshold – The level of sound considered acceptable before it becomes a nuisance.
🔄 Synonyms
beginning (n.) – The point in time or space at which something starts.
starting point (n.) – The place or time from which a process begins.
onset (n.) – The beginning of something, especially something unpleasant.
🚫 Antonyms
termination (n.) – The act of bringing something to an end.
end (n.) – The final part of something.
conclusion (n.) – The end or finish of an event, process, or text.
📖 Cultural Story
The word originally referred to the wooden or stone strip at the entrance of a house, the part that was trodden upon. This literal 'doorstep' evolved to symbolize any point of entry or beginning, and later any critical limit.
Meaning 2：doorstep (threshold)
threshold
/ˈθreʃ.həʊld/
n.
The flat piece of wood or stone at the bottom of a doorway.
doorstep
➕
/ˈdɔː.step/
n.
The strip of wood, stone, or metal forming the bottom of a doorway, which you step over when entering.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The old wooden threshold was worn smooth by countless visitors over the years.
The aged wooden strip at the bottom of the doorway had become smooth from many years of people walking over it.
🔗 Collocations
cross the threshold – To step or pass through a doorway into a place.
welcome over the threshold – To greet someone as they enter a building.
on the threshold – At the entrance or starting point of a place.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
lintel (n.) – A horizontal support across the top of a door or window.
Meaning 3：tipping point (threshold)
threshold
/ˈθreʃ.həʊld/
n.
The level or point where something changes or a reaction starts.
tipping point
➕
/ˈtɪp.ɪŋ pɔɪnt/
n.
The magnitude or intensity that must be exceeded for a certain reaction, phenomenon, or condition to occur or be manifested.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Her pain threshold is remarkably high, so she can tolerate a lot of discomfort.
Her level at which pain begins to be felt is very high, allowing her to withstand significant discomfort.
🔗 Collocations
threshold of hearing – The minimum sound level that an average human ear can detect.
threshold limit – The maximum allowable concentration or exposure level to a substance.
below/above threshold – Lower than / higher than the level required for a specific effect.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
plateau (n.) – A state of little or no change following a period of activity or progress.
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