[Vocabulary] verging off

[constantinusphilo]

The corridor behind us extends toward a light in the distance, open aisles verging off into space on each side.

The Rule of Four, Ian Caldwell, Dustin Thomason

What exactly does 'verging off' mean here? Shouldn't it be something like 'converging'? Are they trying to create a neologism?

 

[Skrej]

Have you consulted a dictionary? What did you find for possible definitions of 'verge' that would fit this context?

Hint: There is a definition that does explain this very usage. It is not a synonym for 'converge', but almost the opposite.

 

[constantinusphilo]

I have consulted Longman and Webster but to no avail.

 

[constantinusphilo]

In the online version of Webster, however, I have found this meaning of 'verge':
[FONT=&quot] to move or extend in some direction or toward some condition[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT][FONT=&quot]verging to a hasty decline

Do you think it would fit?[/FONT]

 

[Tarheel]

I have consulted Longman and Webster but to no avail.

Take the "but" out and you have that exactly right.

 

[Tarheel]

In the online version of Webster, however, I have found this meaning of 'verge':
[FONT=&quot] to move or extend in some direction or toward some condition[/FONT] [FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]verging to a hasty decline

Do you think it would fit?[/FONT]

It looks good to me.

 

[Skrej]

In the online version of Webster, however, I have found this meaning of 'verge':
to move or extend in some direction or toward some conditionverging to a hasty decline

Do you think it would fit?

Yes, that's exactly the definition you want. The aisles are verging (extending) off into space.

 

[Rover_KE]

Could it be a typo or autocorrection for 'veering off'?

 

[probus]

I'd been scratching my head on that one, because to me verge takes on, not off. So I think your guess is a good one, Rover.