thresholds
[/ˈθreʃ.oʊldz/]
nounpl: thresholds
limiares
1. The strip of wood, metal, or stone forming the bottom of a doorway and crossed in entering a house or room
She stood at the threshold of the house, hesitating before entering.
Ela estava no limiar da casa, hesitando antes de entrar.
2. A level, point, or value above which something is true or will take effect
The pain threshold varies from person to person.
O limiar de dor varia de pessoa para pessoa.
3. The beginning of a new period, experience, or development
We are on the threshold of a new era in technology.
Estamos no limiar de uma nova era na tecnologia.
4. A minimum amount or level needed to produce a particular effect or result
The unemployment rate has crossed the critical threshold of 10%.
A taxa de desemprego ultrapassou o limiar crítico de 10%.
In both Brazilian and American English, 'threshold' is frequently used metaphorically in business, science, and personal development contexts. The phrase 'on the threshold of' is a common idiom expressing the beginning of something significant. In Portuguese-speaking cultures, 'limiar' carries similar metaphorical weight in academic and professional discourse, while 'soleira' remains more grounded in its literal architectural meaning.
Related Idioms & Phrases
on the threshold of something - about to begin or experience something new
cross the threshold - to enter or begin something new
raise/lower the threshold - to increase or decrease a required limit
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