tread
trehd
Tread (verb) means to walk or step, especially in a particular manner. Example: “He trod carefully across the icy pavement.”
verb
1
To walk or step, especially in a particular manner.
"He trod carefully across the icy pavement."
"Tread lightly — the floorboards are weak here."
noun
1
The patterned grooves on a tire or shoe sole that provide grip.
"The tires had almost no tread left."
2
The sound or manner of someone walking.
"She recognized his heavy tread on the stairs."
How to use tread
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo tread is to walk or step somewhere; a tread is also the grippy pattern on a tire or shoe.
Common mistake
The phrase "tread carefully/lightly" means to act with caution, not literally about footsteps.
Common pairings
tread carefully
tread water
tire tread
tread lightly
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Word forms
- Plural
- treads
- Third person singular
- treads
- Past tense
- trod, treaded, trodden
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ lightly — the floorboards are weak here.
Etymology
From Old English tredan, "to step on."
Related words
Rhymes for tread
See all rhymes for tread →Frequently asked questions
What does “tread” mean?
The word “tread” means to walk or step, especially in a particular manner. In plain terms, to tread is to walk or step somewhere; a tread is also the grippy pattern on a tire or shoe.
How do you pronounce “tread”?
“Tread” is pronounced trehd (/tɹɛd/ in IPA).
How do you use “tread” in a sentence?
Here is “tread” used in a sentence: “Tread lightly — the floorboards are weak here.”
What is the opposite of “tread”?
The opposite of “tread” — its antonyms — are rise and riser.
What part of speech is “tread”?
Depending on how it is used, “tread” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “tread” come from?
The word “tread” comes from Old English. From Old English tredan, "to step on.".
Is “tread” a common word?
“Tread” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “tread” have?
“Tread” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to walk or step, especially in a particular manner.
