What does threshold mean?

Answer 1

Threshold has several meanings:

• The sill of a door, i.e. the piece of wood or block of stone that forms the floor in a doorway area and which people step on or cross over when entering or leaving a house, building or room.

• The doorway or entrance itself.

• A point of entry or something which marks the start or end of something. "Scientists are on the threshold of discovering the secrets of the universe."

OTHER EXAMPLES OF USAGE

• "Carry his wife over the threshold."

A custom in marriage: the husband carries his wife over the threshold of their new house or home. i.e. he lifts her up and carries her through the doorway into their new home.

• "Crossing the threshold"

... can mean literally entering a house or home by passing over the door-sill of the main entrance or doorway.

Or it can be used in a figurative way, meaning making a significant step forward and into a new phase, perhaps having overcome some notable obstacle along the way; and now entering into the final stage of something and with clearer and better prospects of success.

RELATED EXPRESSIONS

1. 'pain threshold' (psychological/medical): a point at which pain begins or ceases to be experienced.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information, see Related links below