verge on
B2 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
Be almost at the point of being something — nearly but not quite.
Literal meaning: To be on the verge (edge) of something — right at the boundary.
Meanings
1 B2 formal
To be extremely close to a particular condition or quality without quite reaching it.
"His attention to detail verges on obsession sometimes."
"The situation verges on the catastrophic."
— Common journalistic/political commentary formulation
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Commonly used in formal writing and speech to describe something approaching an extreme quality. Often carries a slightly negative or critical nuance. Frequently followed by abstract nouns: 'verge on the impossible', 'verge on madness', 'verge on genius'.
Commonly used with
ridiculous madness genius impossible obsession abuse
Forms
Base
verge on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
verges on
he/she/it
Past simple
verged on
yesterday
Past participle
verged on
have + pp
-ing form
verging on
continuous
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Synonyms
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