Definition of the word verge on

The origin of the word "verge on" can be traced back to the Old English word "ferġen," which meant "to approach" or "to near." It is believed that this word evolved from the Germanic root "fer," which meant "far" or "farther." The Middle English term "feren" subsequently emerged, which had the same meaning as "ferġen." However, "feren" was spelled differently due to the Great Vowel Shift, a historical event that significantly altered the pronunciation of English vowels during the Middle English period (roughly 1100-1400). In the early 1500s, "verge," a noun meaning "a boundary" or "limit," came into use in English. This term was derived from the Anglo-Norman "verge," a word of uncertain origin, which possibly stemmed from the Old French "eorgier," meaning "to work a bend." Interestingly, the preposition "on" was added to "verge" in the 18th century to form the phrase "verge on." This usage of the prefix was common during that time, and it expanded the original meaning of "approaching" to signify a closer proximity or nearness to something. In summary, the term "verge on" is a modern English compound word that combines the elements of "verge," meaning "boundary" or "limit," and "on," meaning "close to" or "approaching." The etymology of this phrase reflects the evolution of English vocabulary over several centuries, showcasing the direct and indirect influences of Germanic, Anglo-Norman, and French linguistic traditions on the English language.