Stumble

Definition

Stumble refers to the act of tripping or momentarily losing balance while walking or running. It can also metaphorically refer to making an error or experiencing a temporary setback in a process or activity.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈstʌmbəl/
• Respelling: STUM-buhl (with "STUM" as in "stump" and "buhl" as in "bubble" without the "b")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈstʌmbəl/
• Respelling: STUM-buhl (similar to American English, with "STUM" as in "stump" and "buhl" like in "bubble" without the "b")

In both dialects, "stumble" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "STUM." The pronunciation of "stumble" is consistent between American and British English, reflecting the word's straightforward phonetic structure.

Etymology

The word "stumble" is believed to come from the Old Norse word "stumra" or the Middle Low German word "stummen," which both refer to the act of stumbling or tripping.

Derivatives

• Stumbler
• Stumbling
• Stumble upon
• Stumbling block
• Stumblebum

Synonyms

• Trip
• Falter
• Bumble

Antonyms

• Soar
• Excel
• Succeed

Usage

"Stumble" is commonly used to describe a minor mistake, misstep, or an instance of stumbling in both literal and figurative contexts. It's frequently used in describing walking or running mishaps as well as errors in performances, speeches, or actions.

Related Terms

• Stumble upon
• Stumbling block
• Stumblebum

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Physical Tripping: To trip or momentarily lose one's balance; almost fall.
• Example: She stumbled on a crack in the sidewalk.

• Making a Mistake: To make a mistake or repeated mistakes, especially while speaking or performing.
• Example: The speaker stumbled several times during his speech.

• Encountering by Chance: To happen upon or discover something accidentally.
• Example: While researching, I stumbled upon an interesting old document.

Noun

• Act of Tripping: An act of tripping or momentarily losing balance.
• Example: His stumble was caught on video.

• Mistake: A mistake or blunder.
• Example: The company made a major stumble with its latest product release.