Stepped: meaning, definitions and examples

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stepped

 

[ stɛpt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

past tense

The term 'stepped' refers to the past tense of the verb 'step,' meaning to lift and set down one's foot in walking or dancing. It can also indicate making progress or a movement in a specific direction.

Synonyms

paced, trampled, trod, walked

Examples of usage

  • She stepped onto the stage confidently.
  • He stepped aside to let her pass.
  • The cat stepped delicately across the floor.
  • After he stepped back, the crowd cheered.

Etymology

The word 'step' originates from the Old English 'stæppe,' which is akin to the Old Norse 'steppr' and the German 'Stufe,' meaning 'a tread or a pace.' The evolution of the verb form into 'stepped' signifies the action of taking a step and has maintained a consistent usage throughout the centuries. The notion of stepping is not only connected to physical movement but also extends metaphorically to denote progress and actions taken in life’s journey. This versatile verb has found its way into various phrases and idiomatic expressions, highlighting its deep-seated presence in the English language and culture.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,687, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.