verge (up)on (something)

verge (up)on (something)

1. Literally, to be positioned next to something. France verges upon Spain to the south. That shed definitely verges on our property.2. To share similarities with something without being identical to it; to be very close or similar to something. Be careful, some sections of this paper are verging on plagiarism. Her snide comments verged upon insult.See also: verge

verge (up)on something

to be almost identical to something; to be similar to or almost the same as something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) Your actions verge upon mutiny. What you said verges on an insult.See also: on, verge

verge on

1. Approach, come close to, as in Her ability verges on genius. [Early 1800s] 2. Be on the edge or border of, as in Our property verges on conservation land. [Late 1700s] See also: on, verge

verge on

v.1. To be on the edge or border of something: The park verges on the neighboring town.2. To approach the nature or condition of something; come close to something: Their confidence verges on arrogance.See also: on, verge