cusp

IPA/kʌsp/
KK[kˈʌsp]IPA/kʌsp/

cusp — noun

1. the moment or point at which a situation, period, or condition is about to begin

1.名詞B2
釋義

the moment or point at which a situation, period, or condition is about to begin or change — for example, being on the cusp of a major discovery, on the cusp of adulthood, or on the cusp of a new era.

例句

Asher felt his research was on the cusp of a major breakthrough in cancer treatment.

on the cusp of [achievement/noun]

The country stood on the cusp of a new era after the historic election of 2024.

同義詞
  • brink

    suggests a dangerous or critical edge, while cusp is more neutral

  • verge

    emphasizes being very close to something happening, often used with 'on the verge of'

  • threshold

    implies the starting point of a new situation, often with a sense of entering

用法筆記

Almost always used in the fixed phrase 'on the cusp of' followed by a noun or gerund that describes the upcoming change.

常見錯誤

❌He is in the cusp of a promotion.
✅He is on the cusp of a promotion.
💡Use 'on the cusp of', not 'in the cusp of'.

2. the sharp point formed where two curved lines or surfaces meet, especially in ge

2.名詞B2
釋義

the sharp point formed where two curved lines or surfaces meet, especially in geometry, architecture, or decorative design.

例句

The architect designed the cathedral with a cusp at the top of each arched window.

cusp of [arch/window] — architectural feature

In geometry class, Layla learned how to find the cusp where two curves intersect.

同義詞
  • apex

    refers to the highest point, while cusp is specifically where curves meet

  • point

    more general; cusp implies a point formed by the meeting of two curves

  • tip

    informal and broader; cusp is more precise for geometric/architectural contexts

用法筆記

This sense is more technical than sense 1. Common in geometry, architecture, and decorative arts. Less frequent in everyday conversation.

3. any of the small raised points on the top surface of a back tooth that help in g

3.名詞C1
釋義

any of the small raised points on the top surface of a back tooth that help in grinding and chewing food.

例句

The dentist pointed out a small crack on the cusp of Kofi's back molar.

cusp of [tooth/molar] — dental usage

As Baraka chewed the raw carrot, the cusps on his back teeth crushed it into small bits.

用法筆記

A technical term in dentistry. Usually occurs in the singular with 'of' (the cusp of a tooth) or in the plural (cusps) when describing tooth anatomy.