English Reference

Word

cusp

US/ˈkəsp/

UK/kˈʌsp/

Definition

n. the point in time when something is just about to change into something else. You are on the edge of a new experience or stage.

n. a point of transition between two different states or conditions. Often used in the prepositional phrase 'on the cusp of' to indicate an imminent change.

Examples

“The young scientist is on the cusp of a major discovery.”

“The country stood on the cusp of a technological revolution that would change how everyone worked.”

“Many historians argue that the late eighteenth century sat on the cusp of modernity, balancing traditional social hierarchies against the rising tide of industrial innovation.”

Examples

simple

“The young scientist is on the cusp of a major discovery.”

contextual

“The country stood on the cusp of a technological revolution that would change how everyone worked.”

complex

“Many historians argue that the late eighteenth century sat on the cusp of modernity, balancing traditional social hierarchies against the rising tide of industrial innovation.”

Usage

Commonly used with the preposition 'of' to describe being at the edge of a significant event.

Real-World Examples

“At the same time, “the world is on the cusp of a revolution in nuclear power generation” which will require careful management and monitoring.”
UN News · 14 Sept 2026
“As someone born on the cusp of the gen X-millennial divide, I am the perfect target for today’s 90s nostalgia.”
The Guardian · 9 Aug 2026

Domains

AnatomyArchitecture

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

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English Reference