The spelling of the word "toddles" can be explained through the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈtɒd(ə)lz/. The first syllable "/tɒd/" is pronounced with an o sound like in "hot" and a d sound at the end. The second syllable "/(ə)lz/" is pronounced with a schwa sound like in "a" and an s sound at the end. This word is a verb that can mean to walk unsteadily or with short, unsteady steps, often by a child who is still learning to walk.
Toddles is a verb that refers to the action of walking unsteadily or with short, unsteady steps. It is commonly used to describe the manner in which toddlers, typically children between the ages of one and three, move about as they are still learning to walk with coordination and balance.
When a child toddles, they take short, wobbly steps, often with their legs spread apart and their arms extended for support or balance. The gait of toddling is marked by its lack of coordination, as the child may stumble or sway from side to side while attempting to maintain their footing. This unsteady walking style is characterized by its endearing charm, as it represents a milestone in a child's development.
The term "toddles" can also be used metaphorically to describe any unsteady or clumsy movement, not only limited to toddlers. For instance, someone who is recovering from an injury or a novice attempting a physical activity for the first time may be said to toddle as they try to find their footing and adapt to the new experience.
In summary, toddles is a verb that depicts the unsteady, shaky movements of a toddler learning to walk. It signifies a stage in a child's physical development and can also be used figuratively to describe unsteady movements in other contexts.
The word "toddles" is derived from the verb "toddle".
The etymology of "toddle" dates back to the Middle English period, where it originally appeared as "todlen" in the early 14th century. It is believed to have originated from the Middle Low German word "toddelen", which means "to walk unsteadily" or "to waddle".
The term "toddle" was used to describe the unsteady gait of a young child who is just learning to walk. Over time, "toddle" came to be used as both a noun and a verb, referring to the act of walking or moving in a clumsy or shaky manner. The word "toddles" is the third-person singular conjugation of the verb.