Stepping Stone (Noun)
Meaning 1
Any means of advancement; "the job was just a stepping stone on his way to fame and riches".
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- Volunteering at the local theater was a stepping stone for her successful career in Broadway productions.
- The internship at a top financial firm was a stepping stone to landing a high-paying job on Wall Street.
- Her promotion to assistant manager was a stepping stone towards becoming the company's CEO one day.
- For the aspiring musician, playing small gigs in local bars was a stepping stone to performing at sold-out concerts worldwide.
- The part-time lecturer position was a stepping stone for him to secure a tenure-track professorship at the prestigious university.
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
A stone in a marsh or shallow water that can be stepped on in crossing.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made).
Examples
- The large rock jutting out of the shallow water served as the final stepping stone to reach the other side of the stream.
- While crossing the marsh, she carefully searched for a stepping stone to avoid getting her feet wet.
- A series of flat stepping stones crisscrossed the shallow pond, providing a safe path for visitors.
- Before venturing further into the swamp, the hiker spotted a stepping stone large enough to support his weight.
- To prevent erosion and ensure safe passage through the wetlands, a row of stepping stones was strategically laid out by park rangers.