Words / B2

THRESHH-ohld/ˈθreʃhəʊld/

A threshold is a level at which something starts: an income threshold; pain threshold; on the threshold of. It is also the floor at a doorway. Limit and limit are close; limit is already in the dictionary as a cap. Do not call every target a threshold. Tax and benefits: income thresholds.

Meaning

A level at which something starts to happen; also the floor at a doorway.

Examples

• “Income above the threshold is taxed at a higher rate.”
• “The industry is on the threshold of a merger wave, which is the metaphor.”

Good to know

an income / tax threshold; pain threshold; on the threshold of. Doorway: the threshold. Close: limit. Policy: benefit thresholds.

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