Definition

Noun 1. The act of moving by lifting one foot and placing it down in a different spot; a single movement of this kind. This is the fundamental unit of walking or running. 2. The sound made by such a movement. The audible impact of a foot on a surface. 3. The distance covered by such a movement. Used as a unit of measure. 4. A flat surface, especially one in a series, on which to place one's foot when going up or down. A stair or a rung of a ladder. 5. A stage in a process or a series of actions. One part of a sequence leading to a goal. 6. A manner of walking; a gait. The characteristic way a person walks. 7. (plural: steps) A flight of stairs; a series of stairs. A structure for moving between different vertical levels.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Single Movement):
  • She took a cautious step forward.
  • The baby's first step was a momentous occasion.
• Noun (Sound):
  • I heard heavy steps on the porch.
  • Her steps echoed in the empty hallway.
• Noun (Distance):
  • The store is just a few steps away.
  • He stood only two steps from the edge.
• Noun (Stair/Rung):
  • Please sit on the bottom step.
  • Mind the step; it's a bit loose.
• Noun (Stage in a Process):
  • The first step is to gather your materials.
  • We have completed the initial steps of the project.
• Noun (Manner of Walking):
  • He walked with a confident step.
• Noun (Plural: Flight of Stairs):
  • She ran up the front steps to the door.
  • The apartment is at the top of three flights of steps.

Advanced Usage

• "In step (with)": Moving or progressing in harmony or synchronization with someone or something.
  • The soldiers marched in step.
  • The company's strategy is in step with market trends.
• "Out of step (with)": Not in harmony or synchronization; not conforming.
  • His ideas are out of step with current thinking.
• "Step by step": Gradually and methodically, one stage at a time.
  • The manual explains the procedure step by step.
• "Watch one's step": To be careful about one's actions or words; to tread carefully.
  • You need to watch your step around the new manager.

Variants and Related Words

• Stepwise (adverb/adjective): Proceeding by steps; gradual.
  • The process happens stepwise.
• Stepping stone (noun): Literally, a stone on which to step when crossing a stream; figuratively, an event or job that helps you advance toward a goal.
  • This internship is a stepping stone to a full-time position.
• Doorstep (noun): A step leading up to the outer door of a house.
• Footstep (noun): A step taken by a person in walking; the sound of such a step.

Synonyms

• Pace, stride (for a walking movement).
• Stair, tread (for a flat surface in a staircase).
• Phase, stage, measure (for a stage in a process).
• Footfall (for the sound of a step).

Phrasal Verbs

• Step aside: To move out of the way; to resign from a position.
  • He stepped aside to let her pass.
  • The CEO stepped aside after ten years.
• Step down: To resign from a high position.
  • The chairman was forced to step down.
• Step in: To become involved in a situation, especially to help or settle something.
  • The government had to step in to mediate the dispute.
• Step up: To increase something; to come forward and take responsibility.
  • We need to step up our efforts.
  • She stepped up to lead the team.

Related Idioms

• "A step in the right direction": An action that moves you closer to a goal.
  • Signing the contract was a step in the right direction.
• "One step ahead": In a better or more advanced position than a competitor.
  • Our research team is always one step ahead of the competition.
• "Take steps (to do something)": To take action in order to achieve something.
  • The city is taking steps to reduce pollution.

Noun

1. the course along which a person has walked or is walking in
   • I followed in his steps
   • he retraced his steps
   • his steps turned toward home
2. a flight of stairs or a flight of steps