Basic Details
Word: Stepping-stone
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A stone used for stepping over something, like a stream, or a stage or step in achieving something.
Synonyms: Approach, means, method
Antonyms: Obstacle, hindrance
Idioms and Phrases
- Stepping-stone to success: Refers to something that helps you achieve success. Example: "Their first job was just a stepping-stone to success in their careers."
- Take it one stepping-stone at a time: Means to approach a task gradually, focusing on one step at a point. Example: "When studying for exams, it’s better to take it one stepping-stone at a time."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The small rocks in the garden served as stepping-stones across the pond.
Example 2: He viewed each failure as a stepping-stone to becoming a better athlete.
Example 3: The internship was a valuable stepping-stone for her future career in medicine.
Fun Fact
The term "stepping-stone" originated from when people used flat stones to cross streams, making it easier to avoid getting wet, and has since been used metaphorically to signify progress or advancement in various fields.
Famous Quote
"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." - Henry Ford
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "stepping-stone" mean?
a) A type of rock
b) A stage in achieving something
c) A large tree
d) A kind of flower
Answer: b) A stage in achieving something
2. Which of these is a synonym of "stepping-stone"?
a) Jump
b) Approach
c) Lake
d) Cloud
Answer: b) Approach
3. Which is an antonym of "stepping-stone"?
a) Accessory
b) Obstacle
c) Advantage
d) Helper
Answer: b) Obstacle
4. Which sentence uses "stepping-stone" correctly?
a) She used a stepping-stone to hop over the puddle.
b) The dog barked at the stepping-stone.
c) Stepping-stone is a kind of jumping game.
d) The stepping-stone was too high to cross over the stream.
Answer: a) She used a stepping-stone to hop over the puddle.
5. What does the idiom “stepping-stone to success†mean?
a) An obstacle in your path
b) A way to improve your skills
c) A common stone
d) A place for jumping
Answer: b) A way to improve your skills
