stumbled
word · lemma: stumble
/ˈstəmbəɫd/
STUHM-buld
/stˈʌmbəld/
STUHM-buld
Definition
Did not step properly and almost fell, or made a mistake in speech or action. Often used for losing balance or making a small error.
Usage & Nuances
Often used to describe physically losing balance ('stumbled over a rock'), or when someone makes a mistake in speaking ('stumbled over his words'). Common in both formal and informal English. Not as strong as 'fell'—usually implies recovery.
Spanish: tropezó - se tambaleóPortuguese (BR): tropeçou - vacilouPortuguese (PT): tropeçou - vacilouChinese (Simplified): 绊倒了 - 结巴了Chinese (Traditional): 絆倒了 - 結巴了Hindi: ठोकर खाई - लड़खड़ायाArabic: تعثر - تلعثمBengali: হোঁচট খেয়েছে - ভুল করেছে (ভাষায় বা কাজে)Russian: споткнулся - запнулсяJapanese: つまずいたVietnamese: vấp - nói vấp - lúng túngKorean: 비틀거렸다 - 말이 꼬였다Turkish: tökezledi - dili sürçtüUrdu: ٹھوکر کھائی - زبان لڑکھڑائیIndonesian: tersandung - tergagap (berbicara)
Example Sentences
He stumbled on the stairs and dropped his book.
basic
She stumbled when reading her speech.
basic
The boy stumbled over a rock in the park.
basic
I nearly stumbled when the lights went out.
natural
He stumbled through his explanation, unsure what to say next.
natural
We stumbled onto a great little café while exploring the city.
natural