tread
UK: tred | US: tred
v. to step or walk on or over
v. to crush or press with the feet
n. the pattern of grooves on a tire
n. the part of a shoe sole that touches the ground
The word "tread" originates from Old English tredan, meaning "to step, trample." It shares roots with Germanic languages (e.g., German treten). The core idea of "pressing or stepping firmly" persists in modern uses, whether describing walking, tire grooves, or shoe soles. The noun forms evolved from the verb, reflecting the physical marks or patterns left by treading.
Be careful not to tread on the fragile flowers.
The workers tread grapes to make wine.
The tire's tread provides better grip on wet roads.
His boots left deep tread marks in the mud.
She tread lightly to avoid waking the baby.