Tread/tred/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/3Caution Implied Often suggests moving with caution or silent movement in a specific situation. The burglar tread softly to avoid detection. Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Context Can reflect emotions; 'tread heavily' might express sorrow or anger. He tread heavily down the stairs after the sad news. Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Literal Can be used metaphorically to mean proceed in an area of life. I tread carefully when starting a new job.