Definition of threshold

Short definition: The word threshold means a point where something starts to change, whether threshold is a physical doorway, a limit of tolerance, or the moment when a situation moves into a new stage or condition.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word threshold? The word threshold is used in everyday language, science, psychology, and law. It can describe a physical doorway, a specific level where something begins to change, or a point that must be reached before something happens. Because it works both literally and figuratively, its meaning depends on context. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel clear, human, and practical.

Forms: threshold, thresholds
Related: limit n., boundary n., doorway n.
Syllable: thresh-old

1. (Noun) The point or level at which something begins or changes in a noticeable way.

   A threshold is the minimum point or level that must be reached before an effect occurs, a reaction begins, or a new state becomes possible, often used to describe limits in behavior, systems, or processes.

   The noise level crossed the threshold where it became distracting enough to affect everyone’s concentration at work.
   Once the pain threshold was reached, she knew she needed to stop and rest immediately.
   The company only offered bonuses after employees reached a certain performance threshold.

   Synonyms: limit, tipping point, critical point, starting level, minimum level, cutoff point, trigger level, breaking point, entry level, boundary point, activation point, requirement level
   Antonyms: extreme, maximum, upper limit, peak, endpoint, ceiling, final stage, highest point, excess, overload, saturation point, ultimate limit

2. (Noun) The entrance or doorway to a building or room.

   In a physical sense, a threshold is the strip or area at the bottom of a doorway that you step over when entering or leaving a space, symbolizing the boundary between inside and outside.

   She paused at the threshold of the house before stepping inside and greeting everyone.
   Mud was left on the threshold after people walked in from the rain.
   He stood on the threshold unsure whether to go in or turn back.

   Synonyms: doorway, entrance, door sill, entryway, door base, opening, passage, entry point, front step, access point, door frame base, crossing point
   Antonyms: interior, inside space, inner room, enclosed area, interior zone, center, middle, internal space, indoor area, inner section, core area, private interior

3. (Noun) A stage or moment marking the beginning of a new experience or phase.

   Figuratively, a threshold represents a moment of transition, such as entering adulthood, starting a new career, or facing a major life change, emphasizing the idea of moving from one stage to another.

   Graduating from college felt like standing on the threshold of a completely new chapter in life.
   The invention placed society on the threshold of a technological transformation.
   She felt she was on the threshold of understanding herself more clearly than ever before.

   Synonyms: transition point, turning point, beginning stage, new phase, entry moment, starting line, gateway moment, life shift, change point, opening stage, moment of change, step forward
   Antonyms: ending, conclusion, final stage, closure, completion, finish line, last phase, wrap up, end point, resolution, termination, closing moment