edge
The edge of something is where a flat surface ends. It usually forms a 90-degree angle going down, but not always. Take a look at this picture:
This girl is resting her arms on the edge of the table.
The word “edge” is often used as a noun:
- The little boy fell off the edge of his bed.
- Our cat likes to sit on the edge of the table.
- A razor has a very sharp edge.
- The edge of a knife is also sharp.
- A long time ago, people used to think that the world was flat and if they went too far, they would fall off the edge.
- The train depot is located on the edge of town. (“The edge of town” is the near the border or the city limits.)
- Powerful telescopes allow astronomers to see what the edge of the universe looks like.
- Alice has an edge over the other applicants for the position because she speaks three languages fluently. (To “have an edge” is to have an advantage over others.)
- Nate likes to live life on the edge. (To live on the edge is to do things that are dangerous, new, experimental, or challenging.)
You can also use “edge” as a verb in some idioms:
- Bill edged out the competition and won first prize. (edge out = win; beat slightly)
- We’re all on the edge of our seats awaiting the news. (on the edge of one’s seat = to anxiously wait for the outcome of something)
- The company is edging forward with its plans to build a new headquarters. (edge forward = move forward, go forward, move ahead but slowly.)