step
A1Neutral; used across all registers from casual to formal.
Definition
Meaning
A movement involving lifting and setting down one's foot; a single action in a process or sequence.
A flat surface, especially one in a series, on which to place the foot when ascending or descending. By extension, an action or measure taken as part of a plan or to achieve something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun sense of a physical movement is primary and concrete. The figurative sense of an action in a process is a highly productive dead metaphor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Step' is used identically in core meanings. Minor differences exist in specific compounds (e.g., 'stepladder' is common in both, 'stepstool' is more AmE).
Connotations
Identical. Both varieties use 'step' figuratively for procedural actions.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
step VERB (e.g., step forward, step down)step into/out of/over PREP (e.g., step into a role)take a step towards NPVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “step on someone's toes”
- “step up to the plate”
- “step out of line”
- “step into someone's shoes”
- “mind your step”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The first step in the merger is due diligence."
Academic
"The experimental procedure consisted of five discrete steps."
Everyday
"I heard a step on the staircase."
Technical
"The compiler executes in several sequential steps."
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The cottage was approached by a short flight of stone steps.
- Promotion is a major step forward.
- With each step, the floorboard creaked.
American English
- Watch your step on the icy pavement.
- The recipe's first step is to preheat the oven.
- He climbed the steps to the library.
verb
British English
- Please step back behind the yellow line.
- He had to step down as chairman.
- Mind you don't step in that puddle.
American English
- Step aside, please.
- She stepped up to lead the project.
- Don't step on the grass.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Take a step forward.
- Be careful on the step.
- What is the next step?
- The government announced a new step to reduce pollution.
- She retraced her steps to find the lost key.
- It's a big step to move to another country.
- The negotiation process involves several delicate steps.
- He didn't put a foot wrong; every step was calculated.
- The software guides you through each step of the installation.
- This discovery represents a quantum step in our understanding of quantum mechanics.
- The committee is prepared to step in if market stability is threatened.
- Her career has progressed in logical, incremental steps.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STEPping stone across a river; each stone is a single, necessary step to reach the other side.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROCEDURES/ACTIONS ARE PHYSICAL MOVEMENTS ALONG A PATH (e.g., 'the next step in your career', 'misstep').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse 'step' (шаг) with 'stair' (ступенька). A 'step' is the action; a 'stair' is the object. 'Step' as a verb (шагать) is regular, unlike the Russian pair идти/шагать.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'step' as a countable noun without an article where needed (e.g., 'We need to take step' -> 'We need to take a step'). Confusing 'step in' (intervene) with 'step into' (enter a role/place).
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'step up to the plate', what does 'step up' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Step' refers to the single action of moving your foot or a single flat surface for the foot. 'Stair' (or more commonly 'stairs') refers to a flight of steps connecting different levels.
Yes, 'step' is a highly frequent noun (take a step) and a regular verb (step carefully).
It functions as an adverbial phrase meaning 'in a detailed and sequential manner' (e.g., 'He explained it step by step'). It can also be used attributively as a compound adjective (e.g., 'a step-by-step guide').
It means to resign from a high position or important role.