tread

• Nom avec plusieurs sens : le pas dans la marche ou la course ; la surface striée d'un pneu ; la partie du pneu ou de la chaussure qui touche le sol ; ou la partie horizontale d'un escalier ou d'une marche.

A noun with multiple meanings: a step in walking or running; the grooved surface of a pneumatic tire; the part of a wheel or shoe that makes contact with the ground; or the horizontal part of a stair or step.

1. A step in walking or runningB1formal

   The manner or sound of a person's step while walking or running.

   pas (démarche)

   • He heard the heavy tread of boots on the stairs.
   • Her light tread barely made a sound on the carpet.
   • The soldier's tread was steady and rhythmic.

   Synonymesfootfallfootstepgaitpacestepstride

2. Grooved surface of a tireB1formal

   The pattern of ridges on a tire that provides grip on the road.

   Bande de roulement

   • The tire tread was worn down and needed replacing.
   • Deep treads help the car drive safely in snow.
   • He checked the tread depth before the long journey.

3. Contact part of a wheel or shoeB2formal

   The part of a wheel, shoe, or other object that makes contact with the ground.

   Bande de roulement / Semelle

   • The shoe's tread was designed for hiking on rough terrain.
   • The wheel's tread provides traction on slippery surfaces.
   • He replaced the worn tread on his boots.

4. Horizontal part of a stairB1formal

   The flat, horizontal surface of a step that you place your foot on when climbing stairs.

   marche d'escalier

   • The stair tread was made of polished oak.
   • Each tread on the staircase was exactly the same height.
   • She slipped on the wet tread and fell.

   Synonymesstep

• Verbe désignant l'action de poser le pied sur quelque chose ou de marcher, souvent avec une certaine manière ou pression.

A verb used to indicate the act of stepping or walking on or over something, often with a specific manner or pressure.

verbe irrégulier

1. B1formal

   To set down one's foot; to step or walk on a surface.

   marcher sur

   • She trod carefully across the icy path.
   • He trod on the accelerator to speed up.
   • They trod through the muddy field.

   Synonymespacestepstridetramptrudgewalk

2. Stomp heavilyB1informal

   To step or walk heavily, roughly, or noisily.

   marcher lourdement

   • The angry man trod heavily up the stairs.
   • He trod on the floorboards, making them creak.
   • The crowd trod through the hall with heavy footsteps.

   Synonymesclompclumpstampstomptramp

3. Crush by steppingB2formal

   To press down on something with the foot, crushing or damaging it.

   Écraser en marchant

   • He accidentally trod on the flowers in the garden.
   • The grapes were trodden to make wine.
   • She trod on the insect without noticing.

   Synonymescrushsquashstampstomptrample

4. Brace a bowC2formal

   To press the foot against the center of an archer's bow in order to bend it.

   Armer un arc en appuyant le pied

   • The archer trod the bow to string it.
   • He trod the bow carefully to avoid damage.
   • She learned to tread the bow before shooting.

5. Apply tire treadC1formal

   To apply the pattern or grooves to a tire's surface.

   appliquer une sculpture (sur un pneu)

   • The machine treads the rubber to form the tire pattern.
   • They tread the tires with a special mold.
   • The factory treads each tire for better grip.

6. Mate withC2formal

   To copulate with (used for male birds, especially poultry).

   Accouplement chez les oiseaux mâles

   • The rooster trod the hen in the yard.
   • The male bird treads the female during mating season.
   • The farmer observed the rooster treading the hens.

   Synonymescovermountserve

Variantes phrasaltread downtread on