The threshold of a building or room is the floor in the doorway, or the doorway itself.
He stopped at the threshold of the bedroom. [+ of]
The bride was carried over the threshold.
Synonyms: entrance, doorway, door, doorstep More Synonyms of threshold
2. countable noun [noun NOUN]
A threshold is an amount, level, or limit on a scale. When the threshold is reached, something else happens or changes.
She has a low threshold of boredom and needs the constant stimulation of physicalactivity. [+ of]
The consensus has clearly shifted in favour of raising the nuclear threshold.
Fewer than forty per cent voted–the threshold for results to be valid.
Synonyms: limit, margin, starting point, minimum More Synonyms of threshold
3.
See on the threshold of
More Synonyms of threshold
threshold in British English
(ˈθrɛʃəʊld, ˈθrɛʃˌhəʊld)
noun
1. Also called: doorsill
a sill, esp one made of stone or hardwood, placed at a doorway
2.
any doorway or entrance
3.
the starting point of an experience, event, or venture
on the threshold of manhood
4. psychology
the strength at which a stimulus is just perceived
the threshold of consciousness
Compare absolute threshold, difference threshold
5.
a.
a level or point at which something would happen, would cease to happen, or would take effect, become true, etc
b.
(as modifier)
threshold price
threshold effect
6.
a.
the minimum intensity or value of a signal, etc, that will produce a response or specified effect
a frequency threshold
b.
(as modifier)
a threshold current
7. (modifier)
designating or relating to a pay agreement, clause, etc, that raises wages to compensate for increases in the cost of living
▶ Related adjective: liminal
Word origin
Old English therscold; related to Old Norse threskoldr, Old High German driscubli, Old Swedish thriskuldi
threshold in American English
(ˈθrɛʃˌoʊld; ˈθrɛʃˌhoʊld)
noun
1.
doorsill
2.
the entrance or beginning point of something
at the threshold of a new career
3. Physiology and Psychology
the point at which a stimulus is just strong enough to be perceived or produce a response
the threshold of pain
Word origin
ME threschwold < OE therscwold (akin to ON threskǫlder) < base of therscan (see thrash) + ?
COBUILD Collocations
threshold
low threshold
minimum threshold
pain threshold
Examples of 'threshold' in a sentence
threshold
For a list of all repayment thresholds and minimum payments, go to tinyurl.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
A less ambitious deal could be pushed through with a lower threshold.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
I have a low pain threshold.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
At the time the party did not think that they were needed, judging that new thresholds for ballots on industrial action would be enough.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Would there also be a lower threshold for'just about managing' families?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Raising the nuclear threshold does not change the security paradigm based on nuclear threats.
McInnes, Colin NATO's Changing Strategic Agenda (1990)
Two riders in one extended examination of their pain thresholds.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The primary objective is to increase the overtime threshold amount for exempt salaried employees.
Christianity Today (2000)
There is no minimum spend threshold although it is one voucher per transaction.
The Sun (2008)
So the threshold for something to go wrong is very low.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The new threshold remained in place for nine months.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Your boredom threshold is low so you find yourself looking for something to keep you amused.
The Sun (2016)
Plans to raise the inheritance tax threshold given low priority.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Raising the nuclear threshold acted as a compromise.
McInnes, Colin NATO's Changing Strategic Agenda (1990)
There is no minimum spend threshold but only one voucher per transaction.
The Sun (2008)
It was like crossing a threshold to a new life.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
This is perfect for anyone with a low boredom threshold.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
If that seems like a low threshold for success it is because it is.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It is not yet clear what the new threshold will be.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
She had a low boredom threshold and a wild imagination.
The Times Literary Supplement (2013)
Few economists expect the 7 per cent threshold to act as a trigger.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
As expected the bill will introduce a 50 per cent turnout threshold for strike ballots.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The Government is also to raise its minimum threshold for primary school results next year.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
All have free floats above the 25 per cent threshold.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Meditation also raises the pain threshold and reduces one 's biological age.
Siegel, Bernie S. (MD) Love, Medicine and Miracles (1990)
Raising the minimum tax threshold, for example.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
I think the stamp duty threshold may have something to do with this as well.
The Sun (2013)
In other languages
threshold
British English: threshold NOUN
room The threshold of a building or room is the floor in the doorway, or the doorway itself.
He stopped at the threshold of the bedroom.
American English: threshold
Brazilian Portuguese: limiar
Chinese: 门口
European Spanish: umbral
French: seuil
German: Schwelle
Italian: soglia
Japanese: 戸口
Korean: 문지방
European Portuguese: limiar
Latin American Spanish: umbral
British English: threshold NOUN
amount A threshold is an amount, level, or limit on a scale. When the threshold is reached, something else happens or changes.
She has a high threshold for pain and a history of fast healing.
American English: threshold
Brazilian Portuguese: limiar
Chinese: 门槛
European Spanish: umbral
French: seuil
German: Schwelle
Italian: soglia
Japanese: 限界
Korean: 한계점
European Portuguese: limiar
Latin American Spanish: umbral
All related terms of 'threshold'
low threshold
A threshold is an amount, level , or limit on a scale . When the threshold is reached , something else happens or changes.
pain threshold
A threshold is an amount, level, or limit on a scale . When the threshold is reached , something else happens or changes.
threshold price
the highest price a retailer is allowed to sell a particular good at
absolute threshold
the minimum intensity of a stimulus at which it can just be perceived
minimum threshold
A threshold is an amount, level, or limit on a scale . When the threshold is reached , something else happens or changes.
nuclear threshold
the point in war at which a combatant brings nuclear weapons into use
threshold policy
a policy whereby wages are increased in accordance with inflation
difference threshold
the minimum difference between two stimuli that is just detectable by a person
threshold agreement
an agreement between an employer and employees or their union to increase wages by a specified sum if inflation exceeds a specified level in a specified time
threshold wage policy
a policy whereby wages are increased in accordance with inflation
on the threshold of
If you are on the threshold of something exciting or new , you are about to experience it.
Chinese translation of 'threshold'
threshold
(ˈθrɛʃhəuld)
n(c)
[of building, room]门(門)槛(檻) (ménkǎn) (个(個), gè)
(fig, on scale) 限度 (xiàndù)
to be on the threshold of (fig) 正处(處)在 ... 的开(開)端(耑) (zhēng chǔ zài ... de kāiduān)
1 (noun)
Definition
any doorway or entrance
He stopped at the threshold of the bedroom.
Synonyms
entrance
He drove in through a side entrance.
doorway
door
I was knocking at the front door.
doorstep
sill
doorsill
2 (noun)
Definition
the starting point of an experience, event, or venture
We are on the threshold of a new era in astronomy.
Synonyms
start
She demanded to know why she had not been told from the start.
beginning
Think of this as a new beginning.
opening
the opening of peace talks
dawn (literary)
the dawn of the radio age
verge
Carole was on the verge of tears.
brink
Their economy is teetering on the brink of collapse.
outset
Decide at the outset what kind of learning programme will suit you best.
starting point
inception
Since its inception, the company has produced 53 different designs.
Opposites
end
, close,
finish
,
decline
,
twilight
3 (noun)
Definition
the point at which something begins to take effect or be noticeable
She has a low threshold of boredom, and needs constant stimulation.
Synonyms
limit
margin
These islands are on the margins of human habitation.
starting point
minimum
related words
related adjectiveliminal
Additional synonyms
in the sense of beginning
Definition
a start
Think of this as a new beginning.
Synonyms
start,
opening,
break (informal),
chance,
source,
opportunity,
birth,
origin,
introduction,
outset,
starting point,
onset,
overture,
initiation,
inauguration,
inception,
commencement,
opening move
in the sense of brink
Definition
the land at the edge of a body of water
Their economy is teetering on the brink of collapse.
Synonyms
edge,
point,
limit,
border,
lip,
margin,
boundary,
skirt,
frontier,
fringe,
verge (British),
threshold,
rim,
brim
in the sense of dawn
Definition
the beginning of something
the dawn of the radio age
Synonyms
beginning,
start,
birth,
rise,
origin,
dawning,
unfolding,
emergence,
outset,
onset,
advent,
genesis,
inception
Synonyms of 'threshold'
threshold
Explore 'threshold' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of door
Definition
a doorway or entrance
I was knocking at the front door.
Synonyms
opening,
entry,
entrance,
exit,
doorway,
ingress,
egress (formal)
in the sense of inception
Definition
the beginning of a project
Since its inception, the company has produced 53 different designs.
Synonyms
beginning,
start,
rise,
birth,
origin,
dawn (literary),
outset,
initiation,
inauguration,
commencement,
kickoff (informal)
in the sense of margin
Definition
an edge, rim, or border
These islands are on the margins of human habitation.
Synonyms
edge,
side,
limit,
border,
bound,
boundary,
confine,
verge (British),
brink,
rim,
brim,
perimeter,
periphery
in the sense of opening
Definition
the beginning or first part of something
the opening of peace talks
Synonyms
beginning,
start,
launch,
launching,
birth,
dawn (literary),
outset,
starting point,
onset,
overture,
initiation,
inauguration,
inception,
commencement,
kickoff (informal),
opening move
in the sense of outset
Definition
a start
Decide at the outset what kind of learning programme will suit you best.