Meaning of the word threshold in English

What does threshold mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

threshold

US /ˈθreʃ.hoʊld/
UK /ˈθreʃ.həʊld/
"threshold" picture

Noun

1.

a strip of wood, metal, or stone forming the bottom of a doorway and crossed in entering a house or room

Example:
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He stumbled on the threshold as he entered the room.
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The old house had a worn wooden threshold.
2.

the magnitude or intensity that must be exceeded for a certain reaction, phenomenon, or result to occur or be produced

Example:
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The noise level exceeded the pain threshold.
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The company set a high threshold for new hires.
3.

the point of beginning; the outset

Example:
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They are on the threshold of a new era.
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The discovery brought them to the threshold of a major breakthrough.