English Lexicon

Stumble

/ˈstʌm.bəl/
verbnounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #2450 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To trip or momentarily lose one's balance while walking or running.

    "She watched her step so she wouldn't stumble on the loose stones."
As noun
  1. 1

    An act of tripping or losing one's balance.

    "A slight stumble nearly cost him the race."

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Synonyms (3)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'stumblen', likely stemming from Old Norse roots related to tripping or striking the foot against something. Over centuries, the meaning broadened metaphorically from physical awkwardness to making a mistake or discovering something by chance.

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