brink

Pronunciation: /brɪŋk/ (IPA), brink (American)

Origin: Old English brinca, meaning "edge"

Part of Speech: noun

Meanings:

1. The edge or border of a steep place or land bordering water
2. A crucial or critical point, especially of a situation or state beyond which success or catastrophe occurs
3. The very edge or limit of something

Example Sentences:

1. The hiker carefully approached the brink of the cliff to admire the view.
2. The company was on the brink of bankruptcy before securing a major investor.
3. Scientists warn that we're on the brink of irreversible climate change.

Related Words:

• Verb form: N/A
• Adjective form: N/A
• Adverb form: N/A
• Synonyms: edge, verge, threshold, cusp, precipice

Memorization Trick: Think of "brink" as a combination of "bring" and "risk." When you're on the brink of something, you're bringing yourself close to a risky or critical point.