giant steps: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to semi-formal; common in business, journalism, and creative/arts discourse.
Quick answer
What does “giant steps” mean?
A significant or massive advancement or progress, typically achieved rapidly or in a bold manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A significant or massive advancement or progress, typically achieved rapidly or in a bold manner.
The term originates from jazz (John Coltrane's composition) and can metaphorically refer to any substantial, transformative leaps forward in any field, process, or personal development, often involving courage or innovation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Giant leaps' is a more frequent alternative in both varieties, influenced by the Apollo moon-landing phrase.
Connotations
In both, strongly positive connotations of ambition and success. In UK contexts, might be slightly more associated with the jazz piece.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. Slightly more likely in US business/tech journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “giant steps” in a Sentence
[Subject] take/make giant steps in/on/towards [object][Field/area] has seen giant stepsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “giant steps” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The company is stepping forward in giant steps with its new carbon-neutral pledge.
- We need to giant-step our way into this new market.
American English
- The team giant-stepped over the initial hurdles with impressive speed.
- Let's not just improve, let's giant-step the whole process.
adverb
British English
- The project progressed giant-step by giant-step.
- They advanced giant-step through the development phase.
American English
- We are moving giant-step toward our sustainability goals.
- The software evolved giant-step after the new algorithm was implemented.
adjective
British English
- Their giant-step approach to renewable energy won them the contract.
- We observed a giant-step change in patient outcomes.
American English
- It was a giant-step innovation for the automotive industry.
- The policy represents a giant-step move toward equality.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe transformative company growth, market disruption, or product innovation. 'The startup made giant steps in AI integration.'
Academic
Used in history, science, and technology to describe paradigm shifts or major discoveries. 'Darwin's work represented a giant step for biology.'
Everyday
Used for personal achievements or societal progress. 'We've taken giant steps in making our home more eco-friendly.'
Technical
Less common; used in project management or R&D to mark key milestone achievements.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “giant steps”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “giant steps”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “giant steps”
- Using singular 'giant step' is less idiomatic. Confusing with 'baby steps'. Using for negative progress ('giant steps backward' is possible but less common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is grammatically possible but far less common and idiomatic than the plural 'giant steps'. 'A giant step' can sound slightly awkward or poetic compared to the standard phrase.
They are near synonyms. 'Giant steps' often implies more dramatic, sudden, or bold progress, while 'great strides' can suggest steady, commendable advancement. 'Giant steps' has a slightly more innovative or disruptive connotation.
Typically, it describes positive progress. To use it negatively, you must specify the direction, e.g., 'giant steps backward' or 'giant steps towards disaster', which creates an ironic or emphatic effect.
'Giant Steps' is the title of a groundbreaking 1960 jazz composition by saxophonist John Coltrane. Its complex chord progression represented a 'giant step' in harmonic theory for jazz, making the phrase famous in musical circles.
A significant or massive advancement or progress, typically achieved rapidly or in a bold manner.
Giant steps is usually informal to semi-formal; common in business, journalism, and creative/arts discourse. in register.
Giant steps: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʒaɪ.ənt ˈsteps/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdʒaɪ.ənt ˈsteps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take giant steps (forward/in...) (common collocation, bordering on idiom)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a literal giant walking. Each step covers a vast distance. 'Giant steps' = progress that covers a lot of ground quickly.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS A JOURNEY (FORWARD MOTION), and SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IS A LARGE STRIDE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'giant steps' LEAST likely to be used?