What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cusp
Example
The company is on the cusp of a major breakthrough in their research. [cusp: noun]
Example
She stood on the cusp of adulthood, ready to take on new responsibilities. [cusp: preposition]
threshold
Example
Please wipe your feet before crossing the threshold into the house. [threshold: noun]
Example
The noise level has crossed the threshold of what is acceptable in this library. [threshold: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Threshold is more commonly used than cusp in everyday language. Threshold is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cusp is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cusp and threshold?
Both cusp and threshold are relatively formal words, but threshold is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while cusp is more specialized and often used in technical or academic contexts.
