English
Etymology
First attested circa w:1325|1325, in the figurative sense w:1653|1653.
Pronunciation
AHD|stÄ�pî��Äng-stÅ�nâ�²
Alternative spellings
stepping-stone
Noun
en-noun|sg=stepping stone
- A stone that can be stepped on in crossing something, especially a marsh or creek; often used in a figurative sense.
#: "He was full of ambition, and force, and life, intend|intending all sorts of great things, and meaning to make his position a stepping stone to all that was excellent in public life."
Adjective
en-adj|pos=stepping stone
- figuratively To be as a stepping stone, a good place to begin or cross over to.
#: w:Esperanto|Esperanto can make a good stepping stone language to w:Latin language|Latin, which may be difficult for amateur linguists.
Synonyms
means
way
te:stepping stone
| 