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milestone

MYL-stohn /ˈmaɪl.stoʊn/

nounB2TOEFLIELTSSAT

neutralformal

An action or event marking a significant stage or point in development.

Implies a distinct turning point or clear marker of progress along a longer journey.

The story behind the word. Originally, a milestone was a literal stone placed at the side of a road to mark the distance in miles to a specific location. By the 19th century, writers began using the term metaphorically to describe major life events or turning points along life's metaphorical journey.

Word relationships

landmark: Landmark often refers to a physical point or a historic event that changes everything.
turning point: Turning point stresses a change in direction rather than progress reached.

setback: A setback represents regression or delay rather than advancement.

Commonly confused with

tombstone: A tombstone marks a grave, while a milestone marks progress or an important achievement.

Word family

milestones (noun): Plural form referring to multiple key achievements.

Collocations

reach a milestone
major milestone
significant milestone
milestone event

Idioms & expressions

mark a milestone

Example sentences

"Reaching forty years of uninterrupted service is an extraordinary milestone in any professional career." Corporate speech
"The publication of his tenth book marked a major milestone for the author." Publishing

Memory hook

Think of a physical stone along a highway showing how far you have traveled; each milestone shows how far you have come in life. A stone on the road measuring your journey.

When not to use

Do not use for minor routine tasks or daily habits.

Fun facts

Ancient Romans erected the first literal milestones along paved roads like the Via Appia to calculate distance from Rome.