Step: meaning, definitions and examples

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step

[ step /stɛp ]

Noun / Verb

Oxford 3000

^{Context #1 | Noun}

movement

A single movement of putting one foot in front of the other while walking.

Synonyms

footstep, pace, stride.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
step	General term for moving a foot in any direction or for any small movement within a process or sequence. He took a step forward The first step in cooking the dish is to chop the vegetables
stride	Describes a long and decisive step, often used to show confidence, determination, or physical capability. He crossed the room in three long strides She made great strides in her career last year
pace	Refers to the speed at which someone walks or runs; can also describe the speed of an activity or a process. He walked at a brisk pace The pace of technological change is accelerating
footstep	Describes the sound or print made by a foot touching the ground, often used in storytelling or to emphasize the act of walking quietly or heavily. She heard footsteps behind her in the dark alley The detective examined the footsteps in the mud

Examples of usage

He took a step forward.
She hesitated before taking the next step.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

level

A flat surface in a staircase.

Synonyms

stair, tread.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
step	A single movement of the foot in walking or a stage in a process. Take a step forward. The first step in solving the problem is understanding it.
stair	A single step in a set of steps that are used for climbing up or down. She tripped over the last stair. The stairs to the attic are quite steep.
tread	The action or sound of placing the foot while walking or running; it can have a negative connotation if it implies moving carefully or with heavy steps. He tried to tread quietly so as not to wake anyone. The tread on the stairs was worn out.

Word

Description / Examples

step

A single movement of the foot in walking or a stage in a process.

Take a step forward.
The first step in solving the problem is understanding it.

stair

A single step in a set of steps that are used for climbing up or down.

She tripped over the last stair.
The stairs to the attic are quite steep.

tread

The action or sound of placing the foot while walking or running; it can have a negative connotation if it implies moving carefully or with heavy steps.

He tried to tread quietly so as not to wake anyone.
The tread on the stairs was worn out.

Examples of usage

She tripped on the first step.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

action

To lift and set down one's foot or one foot after the other in walking.

Synonyms

advance, move, walk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
step	Similar to the first entry but can also refer to a footstep or a small distance covered in walking. Count your steps using a pedometer. Three steps on the staircase are broken.
walk	Refers to the action of moving on foot at a moderate pace. He decided to walk to work. Let's go for a walk in the park.
move	General term for changing position or location, can be used in a variety of contexts. He moved the chair closer to the table. They are planning to move to a new city.
advance	Used to describe moving or progressing forward, often implying improvement or progress. Technology advances rapidly. The soldiers advanced towards the enemy.

Examples of usage

He stepped lightly to avoid making noise.

Translations

Translations of the word "step" in other languages:

🇵🇹 passo

🇮🇳 कदम

🇩🇪 Schritt

🇮🇩 langkah

🇺🇦 крок

🇵🇱 krok

🇯🇵 ステップ (suteppu)

🇫🇷 pas

🇪🇸 paso

🇹🇷 adım

🇰🇷 단계 (dangye)

🇸🇦 خطوة

🇨🇿 krok

🇸🇰 krok

🇨🇳 步骤 (bùzhòu)

🇸🇮 korak

🇮🇸 skref

🇰🇿 қадам

🇬🇪 ნაბიჯი

🇦🇿 addım

🇲🇽 paso

Etymology

The word 'step' originated from the Old English word 'steppan', meaning to go, move, or walk. Over time, it evolved to refer to the action of moving one foot in front of the other. The concept of a step as a unit of movement or level has been present in various languages and cultures throughout history, symbolizing progress, transition, or ascent.

See also: misstep, missteps, overstep, sidestep, steppe, stepping, steps.

Word Frequency Rank

At #866 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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863 instance
864 fixed
865 failure
866 step
867 hear
868 benefits
869 middle
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