steppingstone

[ step-ing-stohn ]

/ ˈstɛp ɪŋˌstoʊn /

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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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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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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

He spoke of all the good he would do after he used this military steppingstone to get into medical school.
The Few, the Proud, the Suicidal|Eugene Robinson|May 31, 2021|Ozy
He’s not in it for the ego or for recognition or any kind of steppingstone or some personal development goal.
After half a century in public life, Kerry gets one more shot|Matt Viser, Brady Dennis|April 21, 2021|Washington Post
Yet, scientists say, those failures are often crucial steppingstones toward a better understanding of the disease and eventual treatments.
Science Might Finally Have a Fix for This Rare Blood Disorder|Nick Fouriezos|December 15, 2020|Ozy
Besides being a steppingstone to diabetes, prediabetes raises a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke.
For those with prediabetes, dropping four to six pounds can cut the risk of getting diabetes|Linda Searing|November 23, 2020|Washington Post

The there-and-back-again mission was a crucial steppingstone for the company on its path to sending a manned craft into the ether.
11 Cool Facts About SpaceX: Dragon, Microsoft, Investments & More|Matthew DeLuca|May 23, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The ships going out of port were such a steppingstone to him, and a vague consciousness came back to him of having been in a ship.
A Simpleton|Charles Reade

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012