Words / C2

LIM-inl/ˈlɪmɪnl/

Liminal means on a threshold, between two states — neither the old thing nor the new one yet. In-between is everyday; transitional is a plainer academic cousin. Anthropologists and critics like liminal space / a liminal period (university between school and work). In speech, say in-between or at a turning point; liminal has become fashionable and can sound like coursework if you overuse it. It is not a synonym for “vague.”

Meaning

At a boundary or threshold, between two states.

Examples

• “University is a liminal period between school and work.”
• “Airports are liminal: you have left, but you have not arrived.”
• “The novel stays in a liminal season between war and peace.”

Good to know

On the threshold between two states. Everyday: in-between. Academic/critical; easy to overuse.

Near in meaning

transitional

New