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step Definition

step (step)

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
    1. a manner of stepping; gait
    2. any of various paces or strides in marching the goose step
    3. 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
    1. a flight of stairs
    2. Brit. a stepladder
  9. something resembling a stair step; specif.,
    1. a bend or angle, as in a supply pipe, for passing around an obstruction
    2. a shelf or ledge cut in mining or quarrying
    3. a raised frame or platform supporting the butt end of a mast
    4. 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
    1. a degree of the staff or scale
    2. the interval between two consecutive degrees

Etymology: ME steppe < OE stepe, akin to Ger stapf < IE base *steb(h)-, post (> stamp): basic sense “to stamp feet”

intransitive verb stepped, step′·ping

  1. to move by executing a step or steps
  2. to walk, esp. a short distance step outside
  3. to move with measured steps, as in dancing
  4. to move quickly or briskly: often with along
  5. to come or enter (into a situation, condition, etc.) to step into a fortune
    1. to put the foot down (on or in something)
    2. to press down with the foot (on something) to step on the brake

Etymology: ME steppen < OE steppan

transitive verb

  1. to take (one or more strides or paces)
    1. to set (the foot) down
    2. to move across or over on foot
  3. to execute the steps of (a dance)
  4. to measure by taking steps: usually with off step off ten paces
  5. to provide with steps; specif.,
    1. to cut steps in (a slope, etc.)
    2. to arrange in a series of degrees or grades to step tests
  6. Naut. to set and fix (a mast) in its step

step Idioms

break step

to stop marching in cadence

in step

  1. conforming to a rhythm or cadence as in marching or dancing; esp., conforming to the cadence of another marcher or other marchers
  2. in conformity or agreement

keep step

to stay in step

out of step

not in step

step by step

  1. gradually or slowly
  2. by marking or noting, or by explaining, each stage in a process

step down

  1. ☆ to resign or abdicate (from an office, position, etc.)
  2. ☆ to decrease or reduce, as in rate, by or as by one or more steps, or degrees

step in

to intervene

step it

to dance

step on it

Informal to go faster; hurry; hasten

step out

  1. to leave a room or building for a short time
  2. to start to walk briskly, esp. with long strides
  3. ☆ Informal to go out for a good time
  4. Informal to be unfaithful to: with on

step up

  1. to go or come near; approach
  2. to advance or progress
  3. ☆ to increase or raise, as in rate, by or as by one or more steps, or degrees

take steps

to adopt certain means or measures in order to facilitate, hinder, or modify something

watch one's step

☆
  1. to exercise care in walking or stepping
  2. Informal to be careful or cautious

step Synonyms

step

n.

  1. A movement of the foot

    pace, stride, gait, footstep, footfall, tread, stepping.

  2. One degree in a graded rise

    rest, run, tread, round, rung, level.

  3. The print of a foot

    footprint, footmark, track, print, imprint, impression, footstep, trail, trace, mark; see also track 2.

  4. An action, especially a first action

    start, move, measure; see action 2.

in step (with)

in agreement with, coinciding with, similar to; see alike 1, 2, 3, similarly.

keep step

agree to, agree with, conform to, keep in line*; see conform.

out of step

inappropriate, incorrect, inaccurate; see wrong 2, 3, wrongly 2.

take steps

do something, start, intervene; see act 1.

watch one's step*

be careful, take precautions, look out; see watch out 2.

step Synonyms

step

v.

pace, stride, advance, recede, go forward, go backward, go up, go down, ascend, descend, pass, walk, tread, march, move, hurry, move quickly, move forward, move backward, mince, hop; see also climb 2, rise 1.

step Usage Examples

Object

stone: For instance: will missile defense become a stepping stone to the militarisation of space?

Converse of object

  • take: We were about to take the first step on our journey across the Pyrenees.
  • follow: To install the game follow these steps: Insert the Red Alert disk into the CD-ROM drive.
  • represent: The Chancellor's proposals to increase opportunities for community work for young people represents a positive step forward.
  • outline: Before doing any customisation, ensure you run through the steps outlined in Changing the Look of MyEd below.

Preposition: into

breach: Perhaps the Church of Scotland could step into the breach.

Adjective modifier

  • next: The next steps will help you look at the points in more detail.
  • reasonable: Schools have a duty to take reasonable steps to avoid substantial disadvantage to disabled pupils.
  • first: The first step is choosing the right iron for your needs.
  • positive: Arrival There are several positive steps you can take at the hotel which can remove unnecessary temptation.
  • logical: It was a logical step for Vodafone to seek ties with Manchester United.
  • important: Choosing a domain name is a very important first step for anyone starting a business on the Internet.

Preposition: on

ladder: The decision to cut the right-to-buy discounts has resulted in many young people being unable to take their first step on the housing ladder.

Followed by an intransitive particle

down: It is negotiating with Michael Grade, who recently stepped down from First Leisure.

Preposition: in

direction: You have taken a big step in the right direction by coming to GA.

Noun used with modifier

stone: A subterranean boiler room with access via a flight of stone steps leading down alongside the north wall of the vestry.

Modifies a noun

  • guide: One section is a step by step guide through typical clauses found in agreements.
  • instruction: Step by step instructions about how to deposit a digital resource with the AHDS.

Preposition: by

  • guide: One section is a step by step guide through typical clauses found in agreements.
  • instruction: Step by step instructions about how to deposit a digital resource with the AHDS.