tread
Tread (verb) means to walk or step, especially in a particular manner. Example: “He trod carefully across the icy pavement.”
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.
The phrase "tread carefully/lightly" means to act with caution, not literally about footsteps.
Word forms
trod past tense, tread past tense, treaded past tense, trodden past tense, treads plural, treads singular
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.