Agency Dictionary
Threshold
nounPronunciation: /ˈθrɛʃˌhoʊld/
In Portuguese: Barreira
Philosophy & EthicsWhat does “Threshold” mean?
A boundary, doorway, or entry limit that must be crossed or satisfied for an effect or permission to take place.
Etymology
From Old English þresċold, the sill at the base of a doorway. The Old English form descends from Proto-Germanic roots related to the verb meaning 'to thresh' or 'to tread,' suggesting the original image of a place that is stepped upon when entering. The figurative sense, a minimum point at which something begins to happen, grew from that image of crossing over.
Usage note
Threshold is spelled with a single h; threshhold is a common misspelling, encouraged by the pronunciation that sounds an h after the sh. In scientific and technical use, threshold describes the minimum stimulus required to produce a response.
Synonyms
- limit
- boundary
- brink
Usage examples
But the real threshold isn't the login wall, it's the algorithm itself.
Concept
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
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