tread
verb (used without object)
to set down the foot or feet in walking; step; walk.
were treading
-
past progressiveof tread.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Traders globally were treading with caution after an aborted revolt by Russian mercenaries raised concerns over the stability of President Vladimir Putin and a potential disruption to Russian oil supply.
From Reuters ● Jun. 26, 2023
The 53-year-old added: "The sheer weight of the pushchair was like trying to lift a rock. We were treading water and trying to lift it up."
From BBC ● Apr. 29, 2022
A mere 300-foot walk from its breezy foyer, we were treading on a flagstone road laid almost two millennia earlier.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 22, 2022
Western leaders have suggested they were treading carefully to avoid escalating the conflict beyond Ukraine’s borders.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 24, 2022
Meggie saw her mother get up and come toward her, walking tentatively, as if she were treading on broken glass.
From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke
