cusp
Low-MediumFormal, Academic, Technical
Definition
Meaning
A point or pointed end where two curves meet, especially on a tooth or a geometric figure. More broadly, a point of transition between two states.
The transition point between different astrological signs or houses; a culminating point; the brink of a significant change or development.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core image is a sharp, pointed end. Most contemporary uses are metaphorical, referring to a point of transition or brink. In specialized fields (dentistry, geometry, astrology), the literal meaning is retained.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. Usage frequencies are similar.
Connotations
Slightly more common in formal/written contexts than casual speech in both varieties.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday conversation. Slightly higher visibility in US media due to common phrase 'on the cusp of'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be on the cusp of [NP/V-ing]stand at the cusp of [NP]the cusp between [NP] and [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the cusp”
- “born on the cusp (astrology)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe a company or economy about to enter a new phase: 'The tech startup is on the cusp of profitability.'
Academic
Used in mathematics, astronomy, and social sciences to denote transition points: 'The study focuses on societies on the cusp of industrialization.'
Everyday
Rare in casual talk. Might appear in news commentary: 'She's on the cusp of a major breakthrough.'
Technical
Specific meanings in dentistry (point of a tooth), geometry (meeting point of curves), and astrology (beginning of a sign).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- -
American English
- -
adverb
British English
- -
American English
- -
adjective
British English
- The building featured a cusped archway.
American English
- The ornament had a finely cusped design.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The sharp cusp of the tooth was visible on the X-ray.
- He felt he was on the cusp of something important.
- The country stands on the cusp of a political revolution.
- Astrologically, she was born on the cusp of Leo and Virgo.
- The novel captures a protagonist on the cusp of adulthood, grappling with identity.
- In catastrophe theory, the system passes through a cusp point before bifurcating.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CUStard pie with a sharp point (cusp) on top. You're on the cusp of eating it.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY / CHANGE IS MOVEMENT. 'On the cusp of' conceptualizes a significant life change as standing at the very edge/starting point of a new path.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'край' (edge/brink) when referring to a specific point or tip (use 'остриё', 'вершина').
- The phrase 'on the cusp of' is a set idiom; do not translate word-for-word.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'cusp' as a synonym for 'start' without the sense of imminent transition. (Incorrect: 'We are at the cusp of the project.' Correct: 'We are on the cusp of a major discovery.')
- Confusing 'cusp' with 'climax' or 'peak'—it refers to the beginning of change, not its highest point.
Practice
Quiz
In which field would the term 'cusp' most likely refer to a literal, physical point?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is relatively low-frequency and is mostly used in formal, academic, or metaphorical contexts (e.g., 'on the cusp of change').
No, 'cusp' is exclusively a noun. The related adjective is 'cusped' (having a cusp or cusps).
All three can mean 'edge of a change.' 'Cusp' often implies a precise, defined point of transition (literal or metaphorical). 'Brink' and 'verge' are more general and can imply being closer to something negative ('brink of disaster') or immediate ('verge of tears'). 'Cusp' is more formal.
It can be followed by a noun phrase ('on the cusp of greatness') or a gerund ('on the cusp of graduating').