Will you know it when you see it?
Who knew that if you look "edge" up in one of the many dictionaries available online that the number and variety of definitions would approach fifty? That's amazing. After all it's just a short, four letter, one syllable word that we all understand. If the person who first came up with the word would have spelled it phonetically it could have been limited to two letters... E and J. ej. It's actually sort of a boring little word. Say it out loud. See. It's a little more than a grunt and it's hard to use as a cheer, an expletive, or in any context that is very exciting. So here I am, with an underperforming word that I've devoted an entire blog to. Now what?
Of the many definitions for edge that I found, here are a few that get closest to the spirit and intent that I hope to address. The highest ranking of these definitions is number four. The lowest, number 18. Oh well, these definitions are like me in junior high. On the list, but seldom the most popular of the available choices. Here are a few that get close.
- An advantage (as have the edge on)
- A margin of superiority; an advantage: a slight edge over the opposition.
- To surpass or beat by a small margin. Often used with out: The runner edged her opponent out at the last moment.
- edge - a slight competitive advantage; "an edge on the competition"
- favorable position, superiority - the quality of being at a competitive advantage
- seeing the edge - To look beyond the obvious in order to see what others don't
I think we know what were looking for. Now let's go find us an "edge".
Edge Defined
