From Middle English stumblen, probably from Old Norse or a related Scandinavian source. The physical sense is recorded from about 1300, the speech sense from the early 1400s, and the chance-discovery sense from the 1500s.
From Middle English stumblen, probably from Old Norse or a related Scandinavian source. The physical sense is recorded from about 1300, the speech sense from the early 1400s, and the chance-discovery sense from the 1500s.
What does stumble mean?
It can mean nearly falling, proceeding with errors, finding something by chance, or a trip or brief mistake.
How do you pronounce stumble?
It is pronounced /ˈstʌmbəl/ in General American English.
What is the past tense of stumble?
The past tense and past participle are stumbled, and the -ing form is stumbling.
What is the difference between stumble and fall?
To stumble is to lose balance and nearly fall, while fall normally means reaching the ground.
What does stumble across mean?
Stumble across means to find or meet something unexpectedly.
Can stumble describe speech or progress?
Yes. Someone can stumble over words, and a team, plan, or economy can stumble when progress becomes difficult.