tiptoe

UK: ˈtɪptəʊ | US: ˈtɪptoʊ

Definition

  1. n. the tips of the toes

  2. vi. to walk quietly or carefully on the tips of the toes

  3. adj. characterized by caution or secrecy

Structure
tip <end>toe <digit of the foot>
Etymology

The word "tiptoe" combines "tip" (from Old Norse "typpa," meaning "point" or "end") and "toe" (from Old English "tā," meaning "digit of the foot"). It emerged in Middle English (14th century) to describe the action of balancing on the ends of the toes, often to move quietly or stealthily. The compound structure vividly captures the physical posture of walking on the toes' extremities.

Examples

  1. She stood on tiptoe to reach the top shelf.

  2. The children tiptoed past the sleeping dog.

  3. He answered the question with tiptoe caution.

  4. The dancer balanced effortlessly on tiptoe.

  5. They tiptoed out of the room to avoid waking the baby.