Verge

Definition

Verge can function as a noun meaning the edge, border, or brink of something; as a verb (intransitive), it means to approach or be close to a certain state or condition, or to border on something. Its plural form as a noun is verges.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (intransitive)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /vɜːrdʒ/
• Respelling: VURJ

British English

• IPA: /vɜːdʒ/
• Respelling: VURJ

Etymology

Late 13th century: from Old French verge ‘rod, staff; edge,’ from Latin virga ‘twig, stick,’ later extended to mean border or brink.

Derivatives

• verges (verb 3rd person)
• verged (verb past)
• verging (verb gerund/participle)

Synonyms

• Noun: edge, brink, border, threshold, margin
• Verb: border on, approach, abut, near, approximate

Antonyms

• Noun: center, core
• Verb: recede, withdraw, diverge

Usage

Noun: The noun "verge" is used to describe the boundary or brink of something. For example, "She stood on the verge of the cliff," or "The negotiations were on the verge of collapse."

Verb: As a verb, "to verge" means to approach a particular state or to lie adjacent. For example, "Temperatures verged on freezing overnight," or "Their property verges on the nature reserve."

Related Terms

• Edge: The line where two surfaces meet.
• Brink: The point at which something begins or happens.
• Threshold: The entrance to a building or start of an experience.
• Margin: The border or outer limit.
• Fringe: The outermost edge or periphery.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The edge, border, or brink of something – the point or line at which something ends or begins.
  • Example: "Villagers lived on the verge of the forest, cautious of its dangers."
• A point just before a significant change or event – the threshold of a new state.
  • Example: "She was on the verge of tears when she heard the news."

Verb

• To be on the brink or point of something – to come close to a particular condition or action.
  • Example: "After months of drought, livestock verged on starvation."
• To border on or adjoin – to lie next to or along an edge.
  • Example: "Their garden verges on public land."