edge
/ɛdʒ/
NOUN
1. The boundary or outer limit of something
The line or area where a surface, object, or place ends or meets another area; the outermost part or boundary of something.
1.1. Outer boundary or border
The outer line or margin of a surface, object, or geographical area that separates it from what lies beyond.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- center
- core
- middle
- interior
- inside
Examples
- The cat perched on the edge of the windowsill, watching the birds outside.
- She carefully trimmed the grass along the edge of the garden.
- A narrow path ran along the edge of the forest.
Related Words
- outline
- contour
- circumference
- borderline
- limit
- extremity
- side
1.2. The brink or extreme limit
The point immediately before a significant event, change, or boundary is reached, often suggesting danger, uncertainty, or a major transition.
Synonyms
- brink
- verge
- threshold
- precipice
- limit
- extremity
Antonyms
- center
- interior
- middle
Examples
- The country was on the edge of economic collapse.
- She stood on the edge of a major career change.
- The hikers approached the edge of the steep cliff.
Related Words
- boundary
- frontier
- border
- culmination
- turning point
- threshold
NOUN
2. The sharp cutting side of a blade
The thin, sharpened side of a knife, sword, axe, or other cutting instrument that is designed to cut or slice.
2.1. Sharp cutting part of a blade
The sharpened portion of a cutting tool or weapon that makes contact with material to slice, sever, or penetrate it.
Synonyms
- blade
- cutting edge
- keen edge
Antonyms
- bluntness
- dullness
Examples
- The knife's edge was sharp enough to slice through the vegetables effortlessly.
- The blacksmith carefully inspected the sword's edge before finishing the blade.
Related Words
NOUN
3. An advantage over others
A quality, ability, or circumstance that gives someone or something a superior position or a greater likelihood of success compared with competitors.
3.1. Competitive advantage
A favorable position or distinctive benefit that enables a person, organization, or competitor to perform better or gain an advantage over others.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- disadvantage
- drawback
- handicap
- hindrance
- liability
- setback
Examples
- The company's innovative technology gives it an edge over its competitors.
- Her years of experience gave her a competitive edge in the job market.
- The team gained an edge through its superior preparation.
Related Words
- dominance
- mastery
- preference
- privilege
- strength
- capability
- head start
- inside track
NOUN
4. Sharpness or intensity of quality
A quality of sharpness, keenness, intensity, or forcefulness, especially in someone's voice, expression, manner, or desire.
4.1. Sharp or cutting quality in speech and manner
A harsh, pointed, or biting quality in someone's words, tone, or behavior, often conveying sarcasm, criticism, or hostility.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- gentleness
- mildness
- softness
- kindliness
Examples
- His witty remarks always had an edge of sarcasm that kept people on their toes.
- There was an unmistakable edge in her voice when she questioned his decision.
Related Words
- sarcasm
- cattiness
- acerbicness
- severity
- roughness
- pointedness
4.2. Keenness and intensity
A heightened degree of sharpness, eagerness, or intensity in someone's perception, desire, ambition, or mental ability.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- dullness
- mildness
- apathy
- indifference
Examples
- The negotiator approached the discussion with an edge of determination.
- The experience added an edge to her already sharp analytical skills.
Related Words
NOUN
5. The line connecting two vertices in geometry or graph theory
A line segment where two faces of a polyhedron meet, or a connection between two vertices in a graph.
5.1. Geometric boundary of a solid
The line segment formed where two faces of a three-dimensional geometric solid meet.
Synonyms
- line segment
- intersection line
Examples
- A cube has twelve edges, each formed by the intersection of two square faces.
Related Words
5.2. Connection between vertices in a graph
A link or connection joining a pair of vertices in a mathematical graph or network.
Synonyms
- link
- connection
- arc
Examples
- Each edge in the network graph represents a connection between two nodes.
Related Words
NOUN
6. A cricket shot played with the edge of the bat
A shot in cricket in which the ball makes contact with the side edge of the bat rather than its central face, often producing an unintended deflection.
6.1. Deflection from the bat's edge
A cricket stroke or deflection in which the ball strikes the edge of the bat, frequently traveling in an unintended direction.
Synonyms
- snick
- glance
Examples
- The batsman played a defensive shot but the ball took the edge and flew toward the slips.
Related Words
- outside edge
- inside edge
- nick
- faint edge
- batting
- deflection
VERB
7. To move slowly and carefully
To move gradually and cautiously in a particular direction, often with small movements to avoid attracting attention or causing disturbance.
7.1. Gradual and cautious movement
Moving slowly, carefully, or incrementally toward or away from a particular position.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- rush
- hurry
- dash
- charge
Examples
- She edged toward the door, trying not to disturb the sleeping baby.
- The car slowly edged forward through the narrow passage.
- He edged closer to the group to hear the conversation.
Related Words
VERB
8. To win by a small margin
To defeat an opponent or achieve a result by a very narrow margin.
8.1. Narrow victory or close defeat
Winning a contest, competition, or comparison by only a slight difference in score, performance, or result.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- lose
- surrender
- fall behind
Examples
- The visiting team edged its opponents by one point in the final seconds.
- She edged out the other candidates to win the competition.
Related Words
VERB
9. To strike a cricket ball with the edge of the bat
To hit a cricket ball with the side edge of the bat, causing it to deflect away from the intended direction.
9.1. Accidental or deliberate bat-edge contact
Making contact with a cricket ball using the edge of the bat instead of its central striking surface.
Synonyms
- nick
- snick
Examples
- The batsman edged the ball toward the wicketkeeper.
- He edged the delivery and was caught behind the stumps.
Related Words
VERB
10. To trim or shape a border
To cut, shape, or finish the outer boundary of something, especially a lawn, garden, or surface, to create a neat and defined edge.
10.1. Trimming lawn or garden borders
Cutting grass or vegetation along the boundary of a lawn, path, or garden to produce a clean and even outline.
Synonyms
Examples
- He edged the lawn along the sidewalk with a garden trimmer.
- She carefully edged the flower beds to keep the garden looking tidy.
Related Words
10.2. Providing or decorating with a border
Adding a decorative or structural border to the perimeter of an object, material, or surface.
Synonyms
- border
- trim
- outline
- fringe
- hem
Examples
- The tailor edged the collar with a narrow strip of decorative fabric.
- The tablecloth was edged with delicate lace.
Related Words
VERB
11. To sharpen or make something keen
To give a cutting tool a sharp edge or to make something more intense, forceful, or stimulating.
11.1. Sharpening a blade or tool
Making the cutting edge of a blade or instrument sharper so that it can cut more effectively.
Synonyms
- sharpen
- hone
- whet
- grind
Antonyms
- blunt
- dull
Examples
- The craftsman edged the blade carefully before using it to carve the wood.
Related Words
- polish
- sharpening
- grindstone
- blade
- keen
11.2. Increasing intensity or provoking a reaction
Making a feeling, situation, or response more intense, or stimulating someone into action through pressure, criticism, or encouragement.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- His persistent criticism edged her into responding more sharply than she intended.
- The tense atmosphere edged the debate toward confrontation.
Related Words
- exasperate
- agitate
- arouse
- encourage
- motivate
- intensify