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steppingstone
[ step-ing-stohn ]
/ ˈstɛp ɪŋˌstoʊn /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
a stone, or one of a line of stones, in shallow water, a marshy place, or the like, that is stepped on in crossing.
a stone for use in mounting or ascending.
any means or stage of advancement or improvement: She looked on the governorship as a steppingstone to the presidency.
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Origin of steppingstone
Middle English word dating back to 1275–1325
Words nearby steppingstone
stepped-up, Steppenwolf, stepper, Steppes, stepping-off place, steppingstone, step rocket, stepsibling, stepsister, stepson, stepstool
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use steppingstone in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for steppingstone
stepping stone
noun
one of a series of stones acting as footrests for crossing streams, marshes, etc
a circumstance that assists progress towards some goal
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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