Pronunciation: [stˈʌmblɪŋ ˈɒn] (IPA) 
The word "stumbling on" is spelled with a silent "b" in the middle, which can make it tricky for learners of English to pronounce correctly. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /ˈstʌmblɪŋ ɒn/. The "b" is not pronounced, which means the word sounds like "stuhm-lin on." This phrasal verb means to accidentally trip or make a mistake while doing something, and is often used in informal conversation.
Stumbling on refers to the act of encountering or discovering something by chance or accident. It involves unexpectedly coming across an object, information, or situation without actively seeking it.
In the context of physical discovery, stumbling on often involves tripping over an object, such as a rock or obstacle, that one did not anticipate. For example, while hiking in a forest, stumbling on a hidden waterfall means unexpectedly encountering it without having prior knowledge or intention.
In a metaphorical sense, stumbling on can refer to discovering or encountering new information or ideas unexpectedly. It implies a moment of accidentally stumbling upon valuable knowledge or insights that were not actively pursued. For instance, a student might be researching a specific topic for a project but stumble on a different source that provides essential and previously unknown information on the subject matter.
Furthermore, stumbling on may also convey the idea of unintentionally finding oneself in a particular situation or circumstance. It can suggest getting involved in an event or coming across a unique opportunity without prior planning. For instance, a person may stumble on a job opportunity that perfectly aligns with their skills and interests while attending a casual social gathering.
Overall, stumbling on denotes a serendipitous encounter, whether physical or metaphorical, where unexpected discoveries, information, or opportunities are stumbled upon by chance or accident.
The word "stumbling on" does not have an etymology of its own as it is a combination of two separate words, "stumbling" and "on". However, we can explore the etymology of each individual word.
1. Stumbling: The word "stumbling" originated from the Middle English word "stomblen", which can be traced back to the Old English word "stumolian". This term evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "stumalon" meaning "to trip". The earliest recorded use of "stumbling" in English dates back to the 14th century.
2. On: The word "on" has Old English roots, deriving from the word "on" or "an". This word has Indo-European origins and is related to various languages, including Old Norse "á", Dutch "aan", and German "an".
