B2verbrelationshipswork
US/tred/
UK/tred/
to put your foot down on something while walking, or to move or act carefully
In context
Sorry, did I tread on your foot? This bus is so crowded.
We'll have to tread carefully when we tell her about the budget cuts.
The company has been treading water for two years with no real growth.
Words that go with tread
verb + adverb
- tread carefullyThe topic is sensitive, so tread carefully in the interview.
- tread lightlyVisitors should tread lightly in this fragile forest.
- tread softlyTread softly when you walk past the baby's room.
verb + noun
- tread waterIf you get tired while swimming, just tread water and rest.
- tread a fine lineComedians often tread a fine line between funny and offensive.
verb + preposition
- tread onPlease don't tread on the grass; it was just planted.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Someone treaded on my foot.Correct: Someone trod on my foot.