How Do You Spell AT THRESHOLD?

Pronunciation: [at θɹˈɛʃə͡ʊld] (IPA)

The phrase "at threshold" is spelled with the consonant digraph "th" in both "threshold" and "at." In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the "th" sounds are transcribed as /θ/ for the voiceless dental fricative (as in "thin") and /ð/ for the voiced dental fricative (as in "this"). The spelling of "threshold" reflects the /θ/ sound, while "at" reflects the unstressed /ə/ sound followed by the voiceless dental fricative. Together, the phrase emphasizes the presence of a boundary or limit.

AT THRESHOLD Meaning and Definition

  1. "At threshold" refers to the point of entering or crossing a particular limit or boundary, indicating a significant change or transition. It is commonly used to describe the exact moment or stage when something is about to happen or has just begun.

    In various contexts, "at threshold" can denote the initial stage of a process, project, or event. It suggests being at the very beginning or on the verge of embarking on a new phase. For example, in education, it might describe a student who is at the threshold of their academic career, about to transition from one level to the next.

    The term can also refer to a critical level or point of intensity, such as a threshold of pain or satisfaction. It denotes the precise level at which a certain experience or feeling is perceived or achieved. For instance, a person may be described as being at the threshold of success when they are on the cusp of attaining their goal.

    Additionally, "at threshold" can have a metaphorical connotation, representing a figurative doorway or gateway between two states or conditions. It indicates standing at the brink of change, uncertainty, or an important decision. This can apply to various aspects of life, including career changes, relationships, or personal growth.

    Overall, "at threshold" encapsulates the notion of standing on the edge, ready to embark on a new journey or reach a new level, both literally and metaphorically.

Common Misspellings for AT THRESHOLD

  • zt threshold
  • st threshold
  • wt threshold
  • qt threshold
  • ar threshold
  • af threshold
  • ag threshold
  • ay threshold
  • a6 threshold
  • a5 threshold
  • at rhreshold
  • at fhreshold
  • at ghreshold
  • at yhreshold
  • at 6hreshold
  • at 5hreshold
  • at tgreshold
  • at tbreshold
  • at tnreshold
  • at tjreshold

Etymology of AT THRESHOLD

The word "threshold" originates from the Old English word "þrescold" or "þrescwald", which is a combination of "þresc" (meaning "threshing") and "wold" (meaning "floor" or "area"). Threshing refers to the process of separating grains from their husks by beating them on a hard surface. Over time, the meaning of "threshold" expanded to represent the strip of wood or stone placed at the bottom of a doorway, marking the entrance or boundary of a house or room. The phrase "at threshold" is not a separate etymological term; rather, it combines the concept of approaching or being on the brink of crossing a threshold, signifying the beginning or initiation of something.

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