Meaning & use
absolute threshold
The lowest intensity of a stimulus that a person can detect at least half the time it is presented.
See it in a sentence
In the hearing test, the absolute threshold for the tone was reached at a very low volume.
Researchers measured each participant's absolute threshold for detecting a faint odor in the air.
A note on using this word
This key term in psychophysics is distinguished from the 'difference threshold,' which measures the smallest detectable change between two stimuli.
Words with a similar meaning
This term is best learned through its definition and examples.
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “absolute threshold”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.