Verge

/vɜrdʒ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
An edge or border of something.
The garden was beautifully designed, with flowers blooming right on the verge of the pathway.
A point at which something begins or changes.
She was on the verge of tears after receiving the disappointing news.
A strip of ground bordering a street or road.
Children often play near the verge of the road, but it’s important to keep them safe from traffic.
verb
To border on; to be on the edge or verge of.
His behavior verged on the unacceptable during the meeting.
To be close to or about to experience something.
The team is verging on a breakthrough in their research.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French 'verge', meaning 'a rod or stick'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

on the verge
Close to an event or a state.
verge on
To be similar to, or very close to something.

Related Words

threshold
The starting point of an experience or action.
brink
An extreme edge of land before a steep slope or a body of water.

Slang Meanings

On the edge of a situation.
He's been on the verge for a while now.
Approaching a critical point or moment.
She's been feeling on the verge of something big.