verge
UK: vɜːdʒ | US: vɜːrdʒ
n. the edge or border of something
n. a point beyond which something begins or occurs (e.g., "on the verge of tears")
v. to approach or border on something (e.g., "verging on absurdity")
verge = verg<to bend, to incline> + e (silent)
- verg (from Latin vergere, meaning "to bend, to incline")
- e (silent, no semantic meaning)
Etymology Origin:
The word "verge" originates from Latin vergere, meaning "to bend or incline." This sense of bending evolved metaphorically to describe the "edge" or "border" of something, as edges often mark a turning point or transition. By the 15th century, it entered English via Old French verge (a rod or wand, symbolizing authority or boundary). Over time, it broadened to signify both physical edges (e.g., "the verge of a cliff") and abstract thresholds (e.g., "on the verge of discovery").
She stood on the verge of the forest, hesitant to enter.
His behavior verges on rudeness at times.
The country is on the verge of economic collapse.
The garden path led to a grassy verge by the road.
Their patience was verging on exhaustion after hours of waiting.