Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense steps, present participle stepping, past tense, past participle stepped
1. countable noun
If you take a step, you lift your foot and put it down in a different place, for example when you are walking.
I took a step towards him.
She walked on a few steps.
I followed her, five steps behind.
He heard steps in the corridor.
Synonyms: footfall More Synonyms of step
2. verb
If you stepon something or step in a particular direction, you put your foot on the thing or move your foot in thatdirection.
This was the moment when Neil Armstrong became the first man to step on the Moon. [VERB preposition/adverb]
She accidentally stepped on his foot on a crowded commuter train. [VERB preposition/adverb]
I tried to step back, but he held my upper arms too tightly. [VERB preposition/adverb]
Synonyms: walk, pace, tread, move More Synonyms of step
3. countable noun
Steps are a series of surfaces at increasing or decreasing heights, on which you put your feet in order to walk up or down to a different level.
This little room was along a passage and down some steps.
A flight of stone steps leads to the terrace.
4. countable noun
A step is a raised flat surface in front of a door.
A little girl was sitting on the step of the end house.
Leave empty milk bottles on the step.
Synonyms: doorstep, sill More Synonyms of step
5. See also doorstep
6. countable noun
A step is one of a series of actions that you take in order to achieve something.
He greeted the agreement as the first step towards peace.
She is not content with her present lot and wishes to take steps to improve it.
The elections were a step in the right direction, but there is a lot more to be done.
Synonyms: move, measure, action, means More Synonyms of step
7. countable noun
A step in a process is one of a series of stages.
The next step is to put the theory into practice.
Aristotle took the scientific approach a step further.
Synonyms: stage, point, phase More Synonyms of step
8. countable noun
The steps of a dance are the sequences of foot movements which make it up.
9. singular noun
Someone's step is the way they walk.
He quickened his step.
There was a real spring in her step.
Synonyms: gait, walk More Synonyms of step
10. plural noun
Steps are the same as a stepladder.
[British]
11.
See one step ahead of someone or something
12.
See in/out of step
13.
See in/out of step
14.
See step on it
15.
See step by step
16.
See to watch your step
Phrasal verbs:
See step aside
See step back
See step down
See step in
See step out
See step up
More Synonyms of step
step in British English
(stɛp)
noun
1.
the act of motion brought about by raising the foot and setting it down again in coordination with the transference of the weight of the body
2.
the distance or space covered by such a motion
3.
the sound made by such a movement
4.
the impression made by such movement of the foot; footprint
5.
the manner of walking or moving the feet; gait
he received his prize with a proud step
6.
one of a sequence of foot movements that make up a particular dance or part of a dance
I have mastered the steps of the waltz
7.
any of several paces or rhythmic movements in marching, dancing, etc
a slip step
8. (plural)
a course followed by a person in walking or as walking
they followed in their leader's steps
9.
one of a sequence of separate consecutive stages in the progression towards some goal
another step towards socialism
10.
a rank or grade in a series or scale
he was always a step behind
11.
an object or device that offers support for the foot when ascending or descending
12. (plural)
a flight of stairs, esp out of doors
13. (plural) another name for stepladder
14.
a very short easily walked distance
it is only a step to my place
15. music
a melodic interval of a second
whole tone, half-step
16.
an offset or change in the level of a surface similar to the step of a stair
17.
a strong block or frame bolted onto the keel of a vessel and fitted to receive the base of a mast
18.
a ledge cut in mining or quarrying excavations
19. break step
20. in step
21. keep step
22. out of step
23. step by step
24. take steps
25. watch one's step
verbWord forms: steps, stepping or stepped
26. (intransitive)
to move by raising the foot and then setting it down in a different position, transferring the weight of the body to this foot and repeating the process with the other foot
27. (intr; often foll by in, out, etc)
to move or go on foot, esp for a short distance
step this way, ladies
28. (intransitive) informal, mainly US
to move, often in an attractive graceful manner, as in dancing
he can really step around
29. (intr; usually foll by on or upon)
to place or press the foot; tread
to step on the accelerator
30. (intransitive; usually foll byinto)
to enter (into a situation) apparently with ease
she stepped into a life of luxury
31. (transitive)
to walk or take (a number of paces, etc)
to step ten paces
32. (transitive)
to perform the steps of
they step the tango well
33. (transitive)
to set or place (the foot)
34. (tr; usually foll by off or out)
to measure (some distance of ground) by stepping
35. (transitive)
to arrange in or supply with a series of steps so as to avoid coincidence or symmetry
36. (transitive)
to raise (a mast) and fit it into its step
Derived forms
steplike (ˈstepˌlike)
adjective
Word origin
Old English stepe, stæpe; related to Old Frisian stap, stepe, Old High German stapfo (German Stapfe footprint), Old Norse stapi high rock
Step in British English
(stɛp)
noun
a.
a set of aerobic exercises designed to improve the cardiovascular system, which consists of stepping on and off a special box of adjustable height
b.
(as modifier)
Step aerobics
STEP in British English
(stɛp)
noun acronym for
(in Britain, formerly)
Special Temporary Employment Programme
step- in British English
combining form
indicating relationship through the previous union of a spouse or the current union of a parent, rather than by blood
stepson
stepfather
Word origin
Old English stēop-; compare āstӯpan to bereave
step in American English
(stɛp)
noun
1.
the act of moving and placing the foot forward, backward, sideways, up, or down, as in walking, dancing, or climbing
2.
the distance covered by such a movement
3.
a short distance
4.
a.
a manner of stepping; gait
b.
any of various paces or strides in marching
the goose step
c.
a sequence of movements in dancing, usually repeated in a set pattern
5.
the sound of stepping; tread; footfall
6.
a mark or impression made by stepping; footprint
7.
a rest for the foot in climbing, as a stair or the rung of a ladder
8. [pl.]
a.
a flight of stairs
b. British
a stepladder
9.
something resembling a stair step
; specif.,
a.
a bend or angle, as in a supply pipe, for passing around an obstruction
b.
a shelf or ledge cut in mining or quarrying
c.
a raised frame or platform supporting the butt end of a mast
d.
any of a series of angled surfaces on the underside of the hull of a hydroplane or seaplane
10.
a degree; rank; level; stage
one step nearer victory
11.
any of a series of acts, processes, etc.
explain the next step
12. Music
a.
a degree of the staff or scale
b.
the interval between two consecutive degrees
verb intransitiveWord forms: stepped or ˈstepping
13.
to move by executing a step or steps
14.
to walk, esp. a short distance
step outside
15.
to move with measured steps, as in dancing
16.
to move quickly or briskly
often with along
17.
to come or enter (into a situation, condition, etc.)
to step into a fortune
18.
a.
to put the foot down (on or in something)
b.
to press down with the foot (on something)
to step on the brake
verb transitive
19.
to take (one or more strides or paces)
20.
a.
to set (the foot) down
b.
to move across or over on foot
21.
to execute the steps of (a dance)
22.
to measure by taking steps
usually with off
step off ten paces
23.
to provide with steps
; specif.,
a.
to cut steps in (a slope, etc.)
b.
to arrange in a series of degrees or grades
to step tests
24. Nautical
to set and fix (a mast) in its step
Idioms:
break step
in step
keep step
out of step
step by step
step down
step in
step it
step on it
step out
step up
take steps
watch one's step
Word origin
ME steppe < OE stepe, akin to Ger stapf < IE base *steb(h)-, post (> stamp): basic sense “to stamp feet”
step- in American English
(stɛp)
related through the remarriage of a parent
stepchild, stepparent
Word origin
ME < OE steop-, orphaned (akin to Ger stief-, ON stjup-) < base of stiepan, to bereave, prob. < IE *(s)teub-, to strike (hence “cut off”) > stump, steep1: orig. used of orphaned children
More idioms containing
step
step into someone's boots
step out of line
step up to the plate
step into someone's shoes
step on someone's toes
COBUILD Collocations
step
bold step
essential step
huge step
next step
positive step
practical step
reasonable step
self-help step
sensible step
simple step
small step
vital step
Examples of 'step' in a sentence
step
It was a very much three steps forward four steps back for women.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
This step up in distance should suit and she can follow up.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
This is the first step in that direction here.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Trust in the one who walks by your side each step of the way.
Christianity Today (2000)
They wanted to make sure they were one step ahead of the father.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
You had to climb up a big step to get in.
Max Arthur Lost Voices of the Edwardians: 19011910 in the words of the Men & Women Who WereThere (2006)
With experience you can use your head to stay one step ahead.
The Sun (2016)
So she crossed the pavement and put her wet foot on the step.
Frances Hodgson Burnett A Little Princess (1905)
Then she heard steps behind her on the path.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
What you truly want for the family moves an important step closer.
The Sun (2012)
We want to put in place all the steps now to fully take advantage of open skies.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
There are steps you can take to make it easier to get cover and lower your premium.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The move is another step in the integration of the two former national carriers.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The new series has a spring in its step.
The Sun (2014)
When she walked the few steps to the lavatory she needed a rest.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
He could step back from the executive chairman role that he holds.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The step up in distance will suit him well.
The Sun (2013)
The banking industry has already taken some tentative steps in the direction of independent payment utilities.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
He would demand that players thought two steps ahead at all times.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
My first step in the dance.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The two airlines have moved nearly in step, increasing charges within days of each other.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The best brands are actually the ones who behave in a cool way; who step back a little bit.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
They had called for him to respect the coalition's power-sharing agreement or step down.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Quotations
one step at a time
In other languages
step
British English: step /stɛp/ NOUN
pace If you take a step, you lift your foot and put it down in a different place.
I took a step towards him.
American English: step
Arabic: خُطْوَة
Brazilian Portuguese: passo
Chinese: 步骤
Croatian: korak
Czech: krok
Danish: trin
Dutch: stap
European Spanish: paso pie
Finnish: askel
French: pas marche
German: Schritt
Greek: βήμα
Italian: passo
Japanese: 歩み
Korean: 걸음
Norwegian: trinn
Polish: krok
European Portuguese: passo
Romanian: pas
Russian: шаг
Latin American Spanish: paso pisada
Swedish: steg
Thai: ก้าว
Turkish: adım
Ukrainian: крок
Vietnamese: bước
British English: step /stɛp/ NOUN
stair A step is a flat surface that you put your feet on to walk up or down to somewhere.
We went down the steps into the garden.
American English: step
Arabic: دَرَجَة
Brazilian Portuguese: degrau
Chinese: 台阶
Croatian: stepenica
Czech: schod
Danish: trin
Dutch: trap
European Spanish: escalón
Finnish: porras
French: marcheescalier
German: Stufe
Greek: σκαλοπάτι
Italian: scalino
Japanese: 段
Korean: 한 계단
Norwegian: trapp
Polish: stopień
European Portuguese: degrau
Romanian: scară
Russian: ступень
Latin American Spanish: escalón
Swedish: trappsteg
Thai: บันได
Turkish: basamak
Ukrainian: сходинка
Vietnamese: bước
All related terms of 'step'
12-step
designating or having to do with any of various programs that provide systematic support and guidance to individuals seeking to control an addiction , compulsion , etc.
in step
marching , dancing, etc, in conformity with a specified pace or moving in unison with others
step in
If you step in , you get involved in a difficult situation because you think you can or should help with it.
step it
to dance
step on
to place or press the foot on
step up
If you step up something, you increase it or increase its intensity .
baby step
the shortest step permitted a player, executed by placing the heel of one foot against the toe of the other and drawing the back foot up to the front foot
bold step
A step is one of a series of actions that you take in order to achieve something.
box step
a basic step in ballroom dancing, in which the feet move in the form of a rectangle
crow step
any of a set of steps on the top of a gable
half step
a short marching step of fifteen inches (in double time, eighteen inches)
huge step
A step is one of a series of actions that you take in order to achieve something.
keep step
to remain walking , marching , dancing, etc, in unison or in a specified rhythm
lock step
a way of marching in such close file that the corresponding legs of the marchers must keep step precisely
next step
A step is one of a series of actions that you take in order to achieve something.
one-step
an early 20th-century ballroom dance with long quick steps , the precursor of the foxtrot
side step
a step to one side, as to avoid something, or a step taken sideways
slip step
a dance step made by moving the left foot one step sideways and closing the right foot to the left foot: used when dancing in a circle during Scottish reels and jigs
step back
If you step back and think about a situation , you think about it as if you were not involved in it.
step cut
a cut consisting of a rectangular girdle , often faceted , with two or more tiers of narrow facets running parallel to the girdle on both the crown and the pavilion : used esp. in stones in which color is more important than brilliance
step down
If someone steps down or steps aside , they resign from an important job or position, often in order to let someone else take their place.
step-ins
step-in garments , esp underwear
step out
If someone steps out of a role or situation, they leave it.
two-step
an old-time dance in duple time
step by step
If you do something step by step , you do it by progressing gradually from one stage to the next.
break step
to cease to march in step
corbie-step
any of a set of steps on the top of a gable
false step
an unwise action
giant step
the longest step that a player is capable of making in this game
goose step
When soldiers goose-step , they lift their legs high and do not bend their knees as they march.
simple step
A step is one of a series of actions that you take in order to achieve something.
single-step
to perform a single instruction on (a program ), generally under the control of a debug program
small step
A step is one of a series of actions that you take in order to achieve something.
stair-step
to move or progress in steps of increasing height or level
step aside
step change
A step change is a sudden or major change in the way that something happens or the way that someone behaves .
step dance
a dance in which a display of steps is more important than gesture or posture , esp a solo dance
step-parent
a stepfather or stepmother
Step Reebok
a set of aerobic exercises designed to improve the cardiovascular system, which consists of stepping on and off a special box of adjustable height
twelve-step
of or relating to a method of treatment for addiction which consists of twelve stages and stresses the need for patients to acknowledge their problem and to take personal responsibility for it
vital step
A step is one of a series of actions that you take in order to achieve something.
curtail step
the step or steps at the foot of a flight of stairs , widened at one or both ends and terminated with a scroll
naughty step
a place where a child is made to stand as a punishment for bad behaviour
positive step
A step is one of a series of actions that you take in order to achieve something.
sensible step
A step is one of a series of actions that you take in order to achieve something.
step aerobics
a set of aerobic exercises designed to improve the cardiovascular system, which consists of stepping on and off a special box of adjustable height
step function
an electrical waveform that rises or falls instantly from one level to another
step on it
If you tell someone to step on it , you are telling them to go faster or hurry up.
step outside
If you are outside , you are not inside a building but are quite close to it.
stutter-step
to move in sudden stops and starts so as to deceive or evade an opponent , as in sports
Chinese translation of 'step'
step
(stɛp)
n
(c) (= footstep) 脚(腳)步 (jiǎobù)
⇒ He heard steps in the corridor.他听见走廊里的脚步声。 (Tā tīngjiàn zǒuláng li de jiǎobùshēng.)
(c) (in dance) 舞步 (wǔbù)
(c) (= action) 步骤(驟) (bùzhòu)
⇒ the first step towards peace通向和平的第一步 (tōng xiàng hépíng de dìyī bù)