The Open Dictionary

step

noun

UK/step/
US/step/

Definitions of step noun

process

  1. B2Countable

    a specific point or stage within a larger process

    • What is the subsequent step for this project?

    • We must be one step ahead of our rivals.

    • Most people consider the reduction of interest rates as a move in the right direction.

  2. B2Countable

    an individual action taken as part of a series to achieve a specific goal

    • The nation is taking its initial steps toward democracy.

    • We must implement drastic measures to mitigate pollution.

    • The president took an unusual action, altering his prepared speech to condemn the terrorist attacks.

stair

  1. B1Countable

    a single level or platform in a set of stairs

    • a staircase

    • We had to ascend several steps to reach the main entrance.

    • I asked them to place the package on the front doorstep.

movement

  1. B1Countable

    the movement of lifting and placing a foot, typically when walking or running

    • Sophie took her first step at eleven months old.

    • He stood up and walked a few steps toward her.

    • With each step, her feet became more painful.

distance

  1. Countable

    the length covered by a single step

    • I had only gone a few steps before I realized I had forgotten to lock the door.

manner

  1. Uncountable

    the manner in which one moves their feet when walking or running, which may indicate their feelings

    • She left the office with a light step, indicating her happiness.

    • The driver warned us to watch our step as we disembarked from the bus.

dance

  1. Countable

    a particular movement of the feet in dancing

    • She's showing me some basic dance steps.

music

  1. Countable

    the interval in pitch between two adjacent notes in a musical scale

Phrases of step noun

  • steps

    an alternative term for a stepladder

    • He needs some steps to reach the shelf up high.

  • step by step

    proceeding or done in a series of gradual stages or a fixed order.

    • This guide will show you step by step how to install the software.

  • out of step

    When someone is out of step, their movements are not synchronized with others, especially when walking or dancing.

    • He always seems to be out of step with the rest of the line when marching.

verb

UK/step/
US/step/

Definitions of step verb

  1. B1IntransitiveVerb + adv/prep

    to move by taking a step; to put a foot on or into something

    • She stepped back and tripped over a chair.

    • They stepped onto the balcony.

    • Be careful not to step in the mud.

prefix

UK/step-/
US/step-/

Definitions of step prefix

  1. designating a family relationship formed through remarriage

    • He has recently remarried and now has three stepchildren and a step-grandson.

    • They have a stepsister and stepbrother nearly their own age from their father's second marriage.

    • His parents had divorced when he was young, and he grew up with his mother, half-sister and stepfather.

Idioms

  • step into the breach

    To temporarily take over someone else's responsibilities or duties when they are unable to fulfill them.

    • Due to the manager's sudden departure, I had to step into the breach and handle all the urgent matters.

  • step on it

    To increase speed; to hurry or go faster, often used in an informal context.

    • We need to go faster or we'll miss the train, step on it!

  • a step forward

    An advancement or improvement.

    • The implementation of this new policy is a step forward for the company.

  • one step forward, two steps back

    Describes a situation where progress is made, but subsequent setbacks cause a net loss, leaving one further behind than before the initial progress.

    • The progress of this project is one step forward, two steps back; each time there is progress, new obstacles arise.

  • watch your step

    To be careful about one's behavior in order to avoid getting into trouble.

    • He'll have to watch his step if he wants to keep that job of his!

  • step out of line

    To behave in a manner that is considered inappropriate, unacceptable, or beyond the bounds of what is expected or permitted.

    • As a team leader, you cannot step out of line; you must lead by example.

  • step up to the plate

    To take responsibility and act decisively when a situation requires it, despite potential challenges.

    • When the team faced difficulties, he stepped up to the plate and took on the leadership responsibility.

  • a few/couple of steps

    A very short distance or a short way away.

    • The train station is just a few steps from here.

  • a step backwards

    A deterioration or regression to a less advanced or desirable condition.

    • The country's actions on environmental policy were criticized as a step backwards.

  • step back (in time)

    To return to a time in the past.

    • Visiting that old village was like stepping back in time.

Phrasal Verbs of step

  • step in

    to engage in a challenging situation or dispute with the intention of assisting in finding a resolution

    • When they started arguing, I had to step in to help mediate.

  • step back

    to pause involvement in an activity or situation momentarily to evaluate it from a different perspective

    • During the heated discussion, she suggested we step back and reevaluate the issue.

  • step something up

    to enhance the scale, quantity, or pace of a procedure aimed at accomplishing a goal

    • In order to meet the sales targets, we need to step up our marketing efforts.

  • step forward

    to volunteer to support, contribute, or assist with something

    • She stepped forward to offer her support when the team needed help.

  • step into something

    To effortlessly acquire a job or position.

    • He stepped into an executive position effortlessly after graduating from college.

  • step aside

    to move to the side to create space for another person

    • When the music started, all the dancers stepped aside to create space for the guests.

  • step something down

    to lessen the quantity, provision, or pace of something

    • In response to market changes, the company decided to step down the production rate.

  • step up

    to initiate action when a necessity or opportunity arises

    • During the group discussion, he stepped up by proposing new ideas, demonstrating his leadership skills.

  • step out on someone

    To engage in sexual relationships with others outside of your marriage or committed partnership.

    • She found out that her husband stepped out on her by dating another woman.

  • step aside/down

    to resign from an important position, often to permit someone else to assume the role

    • The former president decided to step down before the new leader took office.

  • step on someone

    to behave towards someone in an unfair or harsh manner

    • In meetings, he always likes to step on the new employee in a harsh manner.