The word "brink" is spelled as /brɪŋk/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "br-" at the beginning of the word is pronounced with a voiced bilabial fricative /b/, followed by the vowel sound /ɪ/. The final "k" sound is pronounced as a voiceless velar stop /k/. The word "brink" typically refers to the edge or margin of something, such as a cliff or a crisis. It is important to spell words like "brink" correctly to ensure effective communication and proper understanding.
Brink noun
1. The brink refers to the edge of a steep place or the point of an event or situation where an important, critical, or significant outcome is imminent.
2. In the context of geography and topography, the brink is defined as the outer edge or the crest of a high precipice, cliff, or ridge. It represents the boundary or limit beyond which danger, risk, or a fall may occur.
3. Brink can also refer to the point at which something is about to happen or undergo a change. It implies being on the verge or threshold of an event or situation that is crucial and decisive.
4. Additionally, brink can suggest a state of imminent danger or crisis. It describes a scenario in which an individual, society, or organization is on the edge of collapse, ruin, or disaster, and a small deviation from the current course may result in cataclysmic consequences.
5. Metaphorically, brink can be used to depict an extreme emotional state or mental condition. It characterizes a person's mental or emotional state as being on the edge, teetering between control and the onset of an extreme reaction.
Overall, the term brink encompasses the notions of being at the edge, poised on the cusp, or near the limit of various circumstances and events, whether physical, psychological, or situational.
The edge or margin of a steep place.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word brink originated from Middle English brinke or brynke, which can be traced back to Old English brinc or brynca. The Old English term brinc referred to the edge of a bank or hill, while brynca denoted a brink or border of a body of water. These Old English words are believed to be related to Old High German brink and Old Norse brekka, both of which mean slope or hillside. The ultimate root of brink can often be linked to the Proto-Germanic base *brengk-, meaning slope or hill.