What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
steppingstone
Example
Getting a degree is a steppingstone towards a successful career. [steppingstone: noun]
Example
The internship was a steppingstone for her to get a job at the company. [steppingstone: noun]
means
Example
Studying hard is the means to getting good grades. [means: noun]
Example
She used her artistic skills as a means of expressing herself. [means: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Means is more commonly used than steppingstone in everyday language. Means is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while steppingstone is less common and is typically used in the context of personal or professional development.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between steppingstone and means?
Both steppingstone and means are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
