threshold

Everyday

1. The strip of wood or stone on the floor at the bottom of a doorway; the point where you enter a room or house. tree →
2. The level or amount at which something starts to happen or change: "a pain threshold", "the threshold for passing". tree →
3. The start or beginning of something new: "on the threshold of a big discovery". tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life you cross the threshold when you step into a house; there is an old custom of a groom carrying the bride over the threshold. In science and maths a threshold is a cut-off number: water boils above a threshold temperature; you pass a test above a threshold mark. In stories "on the threshold of" tells the reader that something big is about to begin. Phrases: cross the threshold, pain threshold, above/below the threshold, on the threshold of.

Examples

• She paused on the threshold before stepping inside. tree →
• The dog would not cross the threshold of the new house. tree →
• The pass threshold for the test is 60 marks. tree →
• He has a high pain threshold, so the jab didn't bother him. tree →
• Scientists were on the threshold of a great discovery. tree →
• If the noise goes above the threshold, the alarm sounds. tree →
• Wipe your feet at the threshold. tree →
• And there lies my faithful mastiff at the threshold. tree →

Note

Spelling trap: only one "h" in the middle — thresh-old, not "threshhold". Countable. In maths: "above the threshold" means more than the number; check whether the threshold number itself counts (at least 60, or more than 60).

In Jewish tradition

The threshold of a house or Temple is a holy boundary. Entering or leaving it matters.

Interpretation. In Ezekiel, God's glory leaves the Temple by the threshold, which tradition reads as God's presence going into exile. The mezuzah is placed at the doorway.

Examples

• And the glory of the LORD went forth from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim. (Prophets EZK.10.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Jeroboam's wife arose, and departed, and came to Tirzah; and as she came to the threshold of the house, the child died. (Prophets 1KI.14.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day. (Prophets 1SA.5.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Spelling trap: only one "h" in the middle — thresh-old, not "threshhold". Countable. In maths: "above the threshold" means more than the number; check whether the threshold number itself counts (at least 60, or more than 60).