border
When used as a noun, "border" can refer to both a political line between countries (like a national border) or a physical edge (like the border of a piece of paper). When using the verb form to describe something that is almost another quality, always use the preposition "on". For example: "His behavior borders on rude." You cannot say "borders rudeness." In gardening, a "border" refers to a strip of land planted with flowers or shrubs along the edge of a lawn.
💬Casual Conversation
The itinerary is a mess. We're barely scraping by on time and we still have to cross the border.
Chill, Jess. We'll just pivot our strategy if the line is too long.
Meanings
A line separating two political or geographical areas, especially countries.
"They had to show their passports at the border."
To form a boundary around something.
"Tall hedges border the perimeter of the estate."
To be next to or share a boundary with another area.
"France borders Spain to the south."
To be very close to a particular state or quality; used often with 'on'.
"His arrogance borders on insanity."