← Back to Fala2Me

liminal space

[/ˈlɪmɪnəl speɪs/]
nounpl: liminal spaces
espaço liminal
1. A physical or psychological threshold or transitional space between two states, places, or conditions; a space of ambiguity, uncertainty, or disorientation
The airport terminal is a liminal space where travelers exist between their departure and arrival cities.
O terminal do aeroporto é um espaço liminal onde os viajantes existem entre suas cidades de partida e chegada.
2. In anthropology and sociology, a transitional phase in a ritual or rite of passage where individuals are neither in their previous state nor their new one
Adolescence is considered a liminal space between childhood and adulthood.
A adolescência é considerada um espaço liminal entre a infância e a idade adulta.
3. In aesthetic and internet culture, an uncanny or eerie-looking space that appears familiar yet strange and unsettling
The abandoned shopping mall is a perfect example of a liminal space in urban photography.
O shopping abandonado é um exemplo perfeito de espaço liminal na fotografia urbana.
NYC Slang
in-between spot / between-world
Synonyms
thresholdin-between spacetransitional zoneespaço de transiçãozona intermediária
Antonyms
definitive spacefinal destinationestablished placeespaço definidolugar consolidado

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
espaço liminal
Standard usage in academic and cultural contexts
São Paulo
espaço liminal / zona de transição
Both terms used, with espaço liminal gaining popularity in contemporary discourse
Rio de Janeiro
espaço liminal
Used primarily in academic and cultural circles
Portugal
espaço liminar
Portuguese variant spelling; used interchangeably with liminal in academic contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

caught between two worlds
stuck in the middle
no man's land
preso entre dois mundos
em terra de ninguém
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →