limen
Latinthreshold, boundary
About This Root
From Latin līmen (threshold, doorway). Carries the idea of boundaries and crossing points: preliminary (before the threshold), subliminal (below the threshold of consciousness), sublime (rising to the highest threshold), and eliminate (push beyond the threshold, remove). A surprisingly versatile root despite its narrow origin.
Associated Words · 6
eliminate
To completely remove or get rid of; to knock out of a contest
preliminary
Coming before and preparing for the main event; an introductory action or qualifying round
elimination
The act of removing something; exclusion of a competitor from a contest
sublime
Of the highest grandeur or nobility; inspiring awe
subliminal
Below the threshold of conscious perception; influencing the mind without awareness
sublimate
To change from solid to gas; to redirect impulses into constructive activities