Edge
/ɛdʒ/
Definitions
5 meaningsThe line where a surface or object ends, or the boundary of an area.
/ɛdʒ/
The outside limit of an object, area, or surface.
The children played near the edge of the pond.
💡 Simply: Imagine a piece of paper. The *edge* is where the paper stops. It's like the outside border!
👶 For kids: The outside part of something, like the side of a table.
More Examples
Carefully trim the edge of the paper to make it straight.
The edge of the cliff offered a breathtaking view.
How It's Used
"The city is located on the edge of the forest."
"The carpenter carefully rounded the edge of the table."
The sharpened side of a blade or tool.
/ɛdʒ/
A sharp side or part that is used for cutting.
The samurai meticulously cleaned the edge of his katana.
💡 Simply: Think about a knife. The *edge* is the sharp part that cuts. That's the 'edge' we're talking about here!
👶 For kids: The pointy side of a knife or sword.
More Examples
The knife lost its edge after heavy use.
The skater kept a close eye on the edge of their blade
How It's Used
"The edge of the knife was dull, so he sharpened it."
"The hockey player used the edge of their skate to maneuver on the ice."
A small advantage or superiority.
/ɛdʒ/
A small advantage or lead over someone or something.
Our team has an edge in terms of experience.
💡 Simply: Imagine a competition. When you have a little bit of an *edge*, it means you're slightly better or more likely to win.
👶 For kids: Being a tiny bit better than someone else at a game or race.
More Examples
The new technology gave the company a competitive edge.
She had an edge on the others in the debate because of her research.
How It's Used
"The company gained an edge over its competitors through innovative marketing."
"The home team had a slight edge because of the crowd support."
To move gradually or cautiously.
/ɛdʒ/
To move gradually in a certain direction.
The car edged past the accident.
💡 Simply: Imagine carefully stepping little by little. That's what it means to *edge* forward or sideways.
👶 For kids: To move slowly, like when you're sneaking up to something.
More Examples
He edged his way through the crowd.
She edged towards the door.
How It's Used
"The child edged closer to the candy."
"The car edged forward in the slow traffic."
To furnish with an edge or border.
/ɛdʒ/
To provide with an edge or border.
The map was edged with a blue border.
💡 Simply: To put a border or outline around something, like when you color around the outside of a picture.
👶 For kids: To put a line around something.
More Examples
The tailor edged the handkerchief with embroidery.
The quilt was edged with colorful fabric.
How It's Used
"The designer edged the invitation with gold."
"The dress was edged with lace."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
on edge
Nervous, anxious, or irritable.
"I was on edge all day, waiting for the exam results."
take the edge off
To make something less intense or severe.
"A cup of tea will take the edge off my headache."
live on the edge
To live in a dangerous or exciting way.
"He loves to live on the edge, taking risks and traveling to extreme places."
have an edge over someone
to have an advantage over someone
"The team has an edge over the other team since they have been training together for a year."
From Old English *ecg* 'sharp point, corner'. Cognate with German Ecke 'corner' and Latin aciēs 'sharpness'.
The word 'edge' has been used since Old English times to refer to the border of something or the sharp side of a blade.
Memory tip
Think of the sharp *edge* of a knife; it's the boundary.