Meaning & Definition of word "Stumble"
to
Stumble
/ˈstʌmbəl/
noun:
- 1. An act or instance of stumbling.
- Example: His stumble during the race cost him valuable time.
verb:
- 1. To trip or lose one's balance; to walk awkwardly or unsteadily.
- Example: She stumbled on the uneven pavement and nearly fell.
- 2. To make a mistake or blunder, especially while speaking or performing.
- Example: He stumbled over his words during the presentation.
- 3. To encounter or discover something by chance.
- Example: I stumbled upon an interesting book in the library.
Etymology
Middle English 'stomblen', from Old English 'stymelian', akin to 'stomp'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
stumble upon:
To find or discover something by accident.
stumble across:
To come upon something unexpectedly or by chance.
stumble through:
To do something without preparation or skill.
Related Words
trip:
To knock against something and fall or lose balance.
fumble:
To handle something clumsily or awkwardly.
fall:
To move downward, typically rapidly and freely without control.
Slang Meanings of stumble
Meaning: To fail at a task or activity.
Example Sentence: He totally stumbled on that test.
Meaning: To make a poor decision or judgment.
Example Sentence: Stumbling big time on that deal.