brink in English
- brink⇄brink, noun.
a. the edge at the top of a steep place.
Ex. the brink of the cliff.
b. (Figurative:)
Ex. His business is on the brink of ruin.
(SYN) edge, verge.
brink in Sindhi سنڌي
Brink
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/brɪŋk/
Definitions
- Noun: The extreme edge or verge of something, especially a cliff or a precipice.
- Noun: A critical point at which something, typically something unpleasant, is about to happen.
- Noun: The threshold or point at which something is at a decisive stage.
Usage Examples
- "The country was on the brink of war due to escalating tensions."
- "The scientist discovered a new treatment, bringing the medical field to the brink of a breakthrough."
- "Standing on the brink of the cliff, she admired the beautiful landscape below."
Etymology
From Middle English "brink," meaning edge or margin, derived from Old Norse "brún" meaning edge or border.
Synonyms
- Edge
- Verge
- Threshold
- Border
- Cliff
Antonyms
- Center
- Middle
- Interior
- Core
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Orilla | /oˈriʎa/ |
| French | Bord | /bɔʁ/ |
| German | Rand | /rant/ |
| Italian | Orlo | /ˈɔrlo/ |
| Portuguese | Borda | /ˈbɔɾdɐ/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 边缘 | /biānyuán/ |
| Russian | Край | /kraɪ/ |
| Japanese | 縁 | /en/ |
| Korean | 가장자리 | /gajangjari/ |
| Arabic | حافة | /ḥāfah/ |
| Hindi | किनारा | /kinārā/ |
| Bengali | ধার | /dhār/ |
| Punjabi | ਕਿਨਾਰਾ | /kinārā/ |
| Marathi | काठ | /kāṭh/ |
| Gujarati | કિનારો | /kināro/ |
| Malayalam | ഒരുപരിച്ഛേദം | /oruparihcedam/ |
| Tamil | தொடர்ந்த முடிவு | /toṭarnṭa muṭivu/ |
| Telugu | ఎడ్జ్ | /ej/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- In certain regional dialects, "brink" may be pronounced with a soft "r" sound.
- In some areas, "brink" is used metaphorically more often, especially in contexts involving crisis or imminent danger.
Historical Usage
The word "brink" has been used in English since the 14th century, often describing the edge of a precipice or boundary. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the figurative sense of being on the verge of an event or a significant change.
Cultural Nuances
The concept of the "brink" is often used in political and social discussions to indicate a point of great risk or potential change, such as "the brink of war" or "the brink of discovery." It is a word that conveys urgency and anticipation, often implying that a decisive or critical moment is near.
More Information
The idea of being on the brink has been central in both historical and modern contexts. It is used to convey a sense of precariousness, particularly in situations of tension, risk, or impending action. The brink is often seen as a point where the course of events can change rapidly and dramatically, making it a powerful term in discussions of political, social, and environmental matters.