Difference Wiki

Edge vs. Border: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 3, 2023
Edge refers to the sharp or outermost boundary of an object, while Border denotes a decorative or distinct boundary separating two areas or concepts.

Key Differences

Edge generally refers to the furthest limit of an object or surface, often sharp in nature. A knife, for instance, has a sharp edge. Border, conversely, focuses on the dividing line between two separate areas or concepts. Nations have borders that demarcate territorial limits.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
The term Edge can imply danger or extremity. Think of someone standing on the "edge" of a cliff. There's an implied risk. A Border, however, often stands as a protective or distinguishing boundary. It separates countries, ensuring distinct governance and territory.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Interestingly, Edge conveys immediacy. If someone's on the "edge" of their seat, they're in suspense. Border doesn't hold this connotation. Instead, crossing a border often implies a process, like undergoing customs or changing jurisdictions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
From a design perspective, Edge emphasizes the outermost part of a shape. For example, the edge of a square. Border, in design, can often mean an added decorative boundary. Photographs might have borders to enhance their appearance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
While both terms can often be interchanged in casual conversation, there's a distinctness to each. Edge leans more towards the extreme end or boundary of something. In contrast, Border denotes separation, division, or enhancement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Meaning

The outermost boundary of an object or surface.
A dividing line or band between two areas.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Connotations

Danger, extremity, immediacy.
Division, decoration, jurisdiction.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Common Contexts

Physical objects, emotional states.
Territories, designs, pages.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Grammatical Usage

Often used as a noun, sometimes as a verb (to edge).
Typically a noun, can also be a verb (to border).
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023

Example Objects

Cliff, knife, paper.
Country, photograph, garden.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
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Edge and Border Definitions

Edge

A sharpened side formed by the intersection of two surfaces of an object.
The edge of the knife was razor-sharp.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023

Border

A part that forms the outer edge of something.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

A point immediately before something significant occurs.
He was on the edge of discovering the truth.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023

Border

A decorative strip around the edge of something, such as fabric.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

A thin, sharpened side, as of the blade of a cutting instrument.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022
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Border

A strip of ground, as at the edge of a garden or walk, in which ornamental plants or shrubs are planted.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

The degree of sharpness of a cutting blade.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

The line or frontier area separating political divisions or geographic regions; a boundary.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

A penetrating, incisive quality
"His simplicity sets off the satire, and gives it a finer edge" (William Hazlitt).
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

To lie along or adjacent to the border of
Canada borders the United States.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

A slight but noticeable sharpness, harshness, or discomforting quality
His voice had an edge to it.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

To put a border on.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

Keenness, as of desire or enjoyment; zest
The brisk walk gave an edge to my appetite.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

To lie adjacent to another
The United States borders on Canada.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

The line or area farthest away from the middle
Lifted the carpet's edge.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

To be almost like another in character
An act that borders on heroism.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

The line of intersection of two surfaces
The edge of a brick.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

The line or frontier area separating political or geographical regions.
The border between Canada and USA is the longest in the world.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

A rim or brink
The edge of a cliff.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

The outer edge of something.
The borders of the garden
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

The point at which something is likely to begin
On the edge of war.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

A decorative strip around the edge of something.
There's a nice frilly border around the picture frame.
A solid border around a table of figures
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

A margin of superiority; an advantage
A slight edge over the opposition.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

A strip of ground in which ornamental plants are grown.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

To give an edge to (a blade); sharpen.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

Border morris or border dancing; a vigorous style of traditional English dance originating from villages along the border between England and Wales, performed by a team of dancers usually with their faces disguised with black makeup.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

To tilt (a ski or both skis) in such a way that an edge or both edges bite into the snow.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

(computing) A string that is both a prefix and a suffix of another particular string.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

To put a border or edge on
Edged the quilt with embroidery.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

(transitive) To put a border on something.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

To act as or be an edge of
Bushes that edged the garden path.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

(transitive) To form a border around; to bound.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

To advance or push slightly or gradually
The dog edged the ball with its nose.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

(transitive) To lie on, or adjacent to, a border of.
Denmark borders Germany to the south.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

To trim or shape the edge of
Edge a lawn.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

(intransitive) To touch at a border (with on, upon, or with).
Connecticut borders on Massachusetts.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

To surpass or beat by a small margin. Often used with out
The runner edged her opponent out at the last moment.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

(intransitive) To approach; to come near to; to verge (with on or upon).
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

To move gradually or hesitantly
The child edged toward the door.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

The outer part or edge of anything, as of a garment, a garden, etc.; margin; verge; brink.
Upon the borders of these solitudes.
In the borders of death.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

The boundary line of a surface.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

A boundary; a frontier of a state or of the settled part of a country; a frontier district.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

(geometry) A one-dimensional face of a polytope. In particular, the joining line between two vertices of a polygon; the place where two faces of a polyhedron meet.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

A strip or stripe arranged along or near the edge of something, as an ornament or finish.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

An advantage.
I have the edge on him.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

A narrow flower bed.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

The thin cutting side of the blade of an instrument, such as an ax, knife, sword, or scythe; that which cuts as an edge does, or wounds deeply, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

To touch at the edge or boundary; to be contiguous or adjacent; - with on or upon as, Connecticut borders on Massachusetts.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

A sharp terminating border; a margin; a brink; an extreme verge.
The cup is right on the edge of the table.
He is standing on the edge of a precipice.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

To approach; to come near to; to verge.
Wit which borders upon profaneness deserves to be branded as folly.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

Sharpness; readiness or fitness to cut; keenness; intenseness of desire.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

To make a border for; to furnish with a border, as for ornament; as, to border a garment or a garden.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

The border or part adjacent to the line of division; the beginning or early part (of a period of time)
In the edge of evening
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

To be, or to have, contiguous to; to touch, or be touched, as by a border; to be, or to have, near the limits or boundary; as, the region borders a forest, or is bordered on the north by a forest.
The country is bordered by a broad tract called the "hot region."
Shebah and Raamah . . . border the sea called the Persian gulf.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

(cricket) A shot where the ball comes off the edge of the bat, often unintentionally.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

To confine within bounds; to limit.
That nature, which contemns its origin,Can not be bordered certain in itself.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

(graph theory) A connected pair of vertices in a graph.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

A line that indicates a boundary
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

A level of sexual arousal that is maintained just short of reaching the point of inevitability, or climax.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

The boundary line or the area immediately inside the boundary
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

The point of data production in an organization (the focus of edge computing), as opposed to the cloud.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

The boundary of a surface
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

(transitive) To move an object slowly and carefully in a particular direction.
He edged the book across the table.
The muggers edged her into an alley and demanded money.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

A decorative recessed or relieved surface on an edge
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

(intransitive) To move slowly and carefully in a particular direction.
He edged away from her.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

A strip forming the outer edge of something;
The rug had a wide blue border
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

(usually in the form 'just edge') To win by a small margin.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

Extend on all sides of simultaneously; encircle;
The forest surrounds my property
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

To hit the ball with an edge of the bat, causing a fine deflection.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

Form the boundary of; be contiguous to
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

(transitive) To trim the margin of a lawn where the grass meets the sidewalk, usually with an electric or gas-powered lawn edger.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

Enclose in or as if in a frame;
Frame a picture
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

(transitive) To furnish with an edge; to construct an edging.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

Provide with a border or edge;
Edge the tablecloth with embroidery
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

To furnish with an edge, as a tool or weapon; to sharpen.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

Lie adjacent to another or share a boundary;
Canada adjoins the U.S.
England marches with Scotland
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

(figurative) To make sharp or keen; to incite; to exasperate; to goad; to urge or egg on.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

A line separating two political or geographical areas.
The border between Mexico and the United States is significant.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Edge

To delay one's orgasm so as to remain almost at the point of orgasm.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

The edge or boundary of something.
The border of the garden was lined with flowers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Edge

The thin cutting side of the blade of an instrument; as, the edge of an ax, knife, sword, or scythe.
He which hath the sharp sword with two edges.
Slander,Whose edge is sharper than the sword.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

To lie adjacent or contiguous to something.
The property borders the lake.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023

Edge

Any sharp terminating border; a margin; a brink; extreme verge; as, the edge of a table, a precipice.
Upon the edge of yonder coppice.
In worst extremes, and on the perilous edgeOf battle.
Pursue even to the very edge of destruction.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Border

The boundary of a surface.
The border of the painting was adorned with intricate patterns.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023

Edge

Sharpness; readiness or fitness to cut; keenness; intenseness of desire.
The full edge of our indignation.
Death and persecution lose all the ill that they can have, if we do not set an edge upon them by our fears and by our vices.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

The border or part adjacent to the line of division; the beginning or early part; as, in the edge of evening.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

To furnish with an edge as a tool or weapon; to sharpen.
To edge her champion's sword.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

To shape or dress the edge of, as with a tool.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

To furnish with a fringe or border; as, to edge a dress; to edge a garden with box.
Hills whose tops were edged with groves.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

To make sharp or keen, figuratively; to incite; to exasperate; to goad; to urge or egg on.
By such reasonings, the simple were blinded, and the malicious edged.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

To move by little and little or cautiously, as by pressing forward edgewise; as, edging their chairs forwards.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

To move sideways; to move gradually; as, edge along this way.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

To sail close to the wind.
I must edge up on a point of wind.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

The boundary of a surface
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

A sharp side formed by the intersection of two surfaces of an object;
He rounded the edges of the box
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

A line determining the limits of an area
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

The attribute of urgency;
His voice had an edge to it
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

A slight competitive advantage;
He had an edge on the competition
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

A strip near the boundary of an object;
He jotted a note on the margin of the page
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

Advance slowly, as if by inches;
He edged towards the car
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

Provide with a border or edge;
Edge the tablecloth with embroidery
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

Lie adjacent to another or share a boundary;
Canada adjoins the U.S.
England marches with Scotland
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

Provide with an edge;
Edge a blade
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 02, 2022

Edge

The outermost limit of an object or area.
He sat at the edge of the table.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023

Edge

A quality or factor that gives superiority.
Her knowledge gave her an edge over competitors.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Edge

Intensity or severity in manner or tone.
There was an edge to his voice that hinted at anger.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023

FAQs

Can "Edge" signify sharpness?

Yes, "Edge" can refer to the sharp side of a blade or object.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023

Can "Border" be used as a verb?

Yes, "Border" can be a verb meaning to lie along or adjoin a boundary, as in "Canada borders the U.S."
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023

Can "Edge" refer to an advantage?

Yes, "Edge" can mean an advantage, as in "having an edge over someone."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Is "Edge" used in technology contexts?

Yes, terms like "cutting-edge" or "edge computing" have technological connotations.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023

Is a "Border" always visible?

No, while many borders are tangible or visible, some, like geopolitical borders, may be invisible.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Are "Edge" and "Border" synonymous?

They can be, depending on the context, but "Edge" typically refers to the outermost line or boundary, while "Border" often means a decorative or distinct boundary.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Can "Border" be used in the context of graphics or design?

Yes, in design, a "Border" can outline or frame a graphic or text element.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023

Is "living on the edge" a known expression?

Yes, it signifies living in a risky, unconventional manner.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023

Is "Edge" always literal?

No, "Edge" can be used metaphorically, as in "on the edge of one's seat."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Can "Edge" denote a slight amount?

Yes, "Edge" can signify a slight amount, as in "an edge of bitterness."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Can "Edge" be a verb?

Yes, as in "to edge closer" meaning to move slowly or cautiously.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023

Can a "Border" have a function beyond decoration?

Absolutely. Borders can signify boundaries, limits, or divisions between areas.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023

Can "Border" refer to a region near a boundary?

Yes, areas adjacent to geopolitical boundaries might be referred to as "border regions."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023

Can "Edge" be used in a mathematical context?

Yes, in geometry, an "Edge" can be a line segment joining two vertices.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

What's a "border dispute"?

It's a disagreement between countries or regions regarding the demarcation of their boundaries.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Is "Border" used in botany?

Yes, plants that frame garden beds are often called "border plants."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Can "Border" imply something negative?

In some contexts, like "borderline" or "border on the inappropriate," it might have negative connotations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

What's the difference between "edge out" and "border on"?

"Edge out" means to narrowly defeat, while "border on" means to closely approach or verge on.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

How is "Border" used in context with migration?

"Border" can refer to geopolitical boundaries controlling migration, as in "border control" or "border crossing."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

What does "bleeding edge" mean?

It refers to the forefront of technology, innovation, or trends, even newer than "cutting-edge."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

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