BORDERING ON Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "bordering on" typically means to be very close to a certain quality, condition, or state, with a slight hint or indication of reaching the threshold or limit. It implies that something is almost, but not quite, in that specific category. It suggests that the subject or object being described is on the edge or verge of crossing into or exhibiting the specified trait or characteristic.
Used figuratively, it denotes that something is approaching the boundaries of a particular concept, behavior, or circumstance, while not fully embodying it. It suggests a proximity or similarity to the desired state or condition, although falling short of fully qualifying for it. This phrase often implies that the subject is displaying strong signs or indications of the specified quality, raising the possibility of the quality being achieved or surpassed in the near future.
For example, one could say, "His actions are bordering on obsessive," meaning that the person's behavior is displaying characteristics of obsession, but has not yet completely reached that level. Similarly, "Her performance in the competition was bordering on exceptional" signifies that the individual's performance was highly impressive, but just shy of being truly exceptional.
Overall, "bordering on" encapsulates the idea of nearness, potentiality, and an impending transition into the quality or state being referred to, while highlighting the existence of a line which has not yet been fully crossed.
Common Misspellings for BORDERING ON
- vordering on
- nordering on
- hordering on
- gordering on
- birdering on
- bkrdering on
- blrdering on
- bprdering on
- b0rdering on
- b9rdering on
- boedering on
- boddering on
- bofdering on
- botdering on
- bo5dering on
- bo4dering on
- borsering on
- borxering on
- borcering on
- borfering on
Etymology of BORDERING ON
The phrase "bordering on" originated from the Old English word "bordan", which means "to keep watch, patrol". This word later developed into "border", referring to the boundary or edge between two regions or countries. The phrase "bordering on" emerged in the early 17th century, taking the concept of a physical boundary and applying it metaphorically to something resembling or approaching a particular characteristic or quality.
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