step
step — verb
1. to raise one foot and move it to a new position when walking, running, or dancin
to raise one foot and move it to a new position when walking, running, or dancing, or to bring your foot down against a surface or object.
Jin stepped carefully over the broken glass on the kitchen floor.
step + over + obstacle
Mira stepped onto the bathroom scales and looked down at the number.
step onto + surface
Heather stepped outside to take a quick phone call from her mother.
Rachid stepped on the brake as the car in front slowed down suddenly.
Kian stepped onto the wooden porch, and the old boards creaked under his weight.
文法句型
step + adverb of direction
step + preposition + noun phrase
step on + noun
用法筆記
Usually followed by an adverb or prepositional phrase (e.g., forward, onto, over, on) that indicates direction, location, or manner. When used alone without context, 'step' sounds incomplete.
常見錯誤
step — noun
1. One of the periods or phases that something passes through as it develops from a
One of the periods or phases that something passes through as it develops from a beginning point towards an end point.
The first step in the research was to interview all the volunteers.
step in [process] — indicating what the process involves
Reema reached the final step of her training programme feeling very proud.
Paying attention is an important step towards becoming a better driver.
Each step of the building process was checked by the safety team before work continued.
The hospital took the unusual step of offering free check-ups to everyone in the neighbourhood.
文法句型
step + in/of/to + noun
step + towards + noun
用法筆記
Frequently followed by 'in', 'of', or 'towards' to specify which process is being described. The phrase 'take the step of + gerund' is a common formal pattern.
常見錯誤
2. A single thing that a person or group does as part of a plan to reach a particul
A single thing that a person or group does as part of a plan to reach a particular goal, solve a problem, or bring about a change.
Rodrigo took the necessary steps to protect his online accounts after the hack.
take steps to + [infinitive] — common pattern for deliberate actions
The city council announced new steps to reduce traffic in the downtown area.
Yasmin's first step was to call the clinic and make an appointment for her mother.
Bilal thought carefully about what step to take next after losing his job.
The charity took a bold step by opening a second shelter in the nearby town.
文法句型
take steps to + infinitive
step towards + noun/gerund
用法筆記
Typically used with 'take' (take a step / take steps) where the subject is the person or group doing the action. 'Take steps' (plural) often implies multiple actions in a plan rather than a single action.
常見錯誤
3. A way of doing something by handling each item in a fixed sequence, without tryi
A way of doing something by handling each item in a fixed sequence, without trying to do too much at once or skipping ahead.
Folake learned the piano piece step by step instead of playing it all at once.
step by step — fixed adverbial phrase for gradual progress
The teacher explained long division one step at a time so nobody got lost.
Ezra told himself to take recovery one step at a time and not rush things.
The instructions were written step by step so beginners could follow them easily.
Caio repaired the old motorcycle step by step over three weekends in the garage.
- gradually
adverb, focuses on slowness rather than the order of items
- sequentially
more formal, emphasises logical order
- in one go
doing everything at once rather than in stages
文法句型
step by step
one step at a time
用法筆記
This sense almost always appears in fixed adverbial phrases like 'step by step' or 'one step at a time'. It is not used as a standalone countable noun like senses 1 and 2. Distinguish from sense 1, which refers to a specific stage in a process, while this sense describes the method of proceeding gradually.
常見錯誤
4. A flat surface in a stairway that you stand on when moving between different lev
A flat surface in a stairway that you stand on when moving between different levels of a building.
Brooke sat on the bottom step and tied her running shoes before the race started.
The third wooden step creaked loudly when Ezra walked up the stairs at midnight.
ordinal number + step — identifying a specific stair
Little Hoa could barely reach the top step without holding her father's hand tightly.
Caio counted twenty stone steps as he climbed the spiral tower to the top.
Mind the second step on the back staircase because the paint makes it rather slippery.
用法筆記
Can be used with both indoor staircases and outdoor stone steps. 'Stairs' refers to the whole set; a 'step' is one individual surface within that set.
常見錯誤
5. A short folding ladder with wide flat surfaces for your feet instead of round ru
A short folding ladder with wide flat surfaces for your feet instead of round rungs, used for reaching things at a height in a house or garden.
Sayaka unfolded the aluminium step and climbed up to clean the high kitchen cupboards.
unfolded + step — describing how a stepladder is used
Eitan carried the step from the shed and set it under the broken gutter.
The old wooden step wobbled dangerously when Hoa reached for the top shelf.
Léa folded the step and put it away in the utility room after painting.
- stepladder
the full, more common term for this object
用法筆記
In British English, 'steps' (plural) is more common than 'step' (singular) to refer to a stepladder. In American English, 'stepladder' is the usual term. This meaning is most common in household contexts.
常見錯誤
6. The movement you make when you lift your foot from where it is and place it some
The movement you make when you lift your foot from where it is and place it somewhere else while walking, running, or changing where you stand.
Ezra took a cautious step back when he noticed the dog growling by the gate.
take + a step + [direction] — common physical movement pattern
Reema heard a noise behind her and stopped after just two quick steps forward.
The baby took her first step while her mother filmed the moment on her phone.
Bilal took two steps left so the waiter could pass through the narrow aisle.
Yasmin counted each step in her head as she walked across the wooden bridge nervously.
文法句型
take + a + step + forward/back/backward/aside
step + number + steps
用法筆記
Commonly appears with direction words: 'step forward', 'step back', 'step aside'. When counting steps ('three steps from the door'), the noun counts individual foot placements. This sense is distinct from sense 7 (the distance covered by a step), which focuses on measurement rather than the action itself.
常見錯誤
7. the amount of ground crossed by lifting a foot and placing it down again, or mor
the amount of ground crossed by lifting a foot and placing it down again, or more generally, a very short gap between two points.
The supermarket is only a few steps from their front door.
countable: a few steps = short distance
Noor took a step forward to get a better view of the painting.
The hotel was just a short step from the train station.
Christopher measured the room and said it was twelve steps wide.
There is a bus stop just a few steps down the street from Eri's house.
用法筆記
Often used with 'just' or 'only' to emphasise that a place is very near: 'just a few steps', 'only a short step'.
常見錯誤
8. the particular manner of placing your feet while walking or running — one's gait
the particular manner of placing your feet while walking or running — one's gait often reveals mood, energy level, or physical state.
Renata walked into the office with a confident step and a cheerful hello.
collocation: confident step / light step / heavy step
After hearing the news, Tuan walked home with a slow and heavy step.
Nia had a spring in her step all morning after passing the test.
Élise could recognise her mother's step from the sound on the stairs.
There was an unsteady step in the old man's walk after his illness.
用法筆記
Frequently modified by adjectives describing mood or physical condition: 'light step' (happy, carefree), 'heavy step' (tired, sad), 'unsteady step' (weak, injured). 'Spring in your step' is a fixed idiom for lively, happy walking.
常見錯誤
9. one of the specific foot movements that together form a pattern in dancing.
one of the specific foot movements that together form a pattern in dancing.
Nikhil practised the basic salsa steps every evening after work.
The dance instructor showed the class each step of the waltz very slowly.
collocation: learn/teach/practise the steps
Sari kept forgetting the next step in the traditional folk dance.
The tango has a well-known sequence of steps that beginners must master first.
Anthony counted the beat under his breath while learning the new dance step.
用法筆記
Commonly used with the name of a dance (salsa step, waltz step, tango step) or with verbs like 'learn', 'practise', 'teach', 'remember'.
常見錯誤
10. moving together with a group so that every person lifts and sets down their feet
moving together with a group so that every person lifts and sets down their feet at the same moment.
The soldiers marched in step across the parade ground without a single mistake.
phrase: march in step
Ilan tried hard to walk in step with his taller friend during the race.
pattern: in step with [someone]
The little boy struggled to stay in step with the rest of the marching band.
Owen and his partner practised until they were perfectly in step with each other.
The whole team walked in step during the opening ceremony of the sports day.
- out of step
walking at a different rhythm from others
文法句型
in step (with someone)
用法筆記
The opposite is 'out of step' (sense 12). Often used for marching, military parades, or group walking. 'Fall in step' means to begin walking in the same rhythm as others.
常見錯誤
11. having beliefs, viewpoints, or lifestyles that match the way a larger group thin
having beliefs, viewpoints, or lifestyles that match the way a larger group thinks or lives.
Renata's views on climate change are very much in step with scientific research.
pattern: in step with [ideas/research/trends]
The company must stay in step with changing consumer habits to survive.
Eri felt that her fashion sense was completely in step with current trends.
Tuan made sure his business plan was in step with the expectations of local investors.
The new education policy is in step with what local parents have been requesting.
- in line with
slightly more formal; implies following a standard or rule
- aligned with
more formal; suggests deliberate matching of goals or values
- in keeping with
formal; suggests harmony with traditions or expectations
- out of step with
having different opinions or values from a group
文法句型
in step (with something/someone)
用法筆記
Only the 'in step' form carries this figurative meaning of agreement or alignment. Do not use bare 'step' for this sense. The opposite is 'out of step' (sense 13) used figuratively for disagreement.
常見錯誤
12. walking or marching without matching the rhythm of the people around you, so you
walking or marching without matching the rhythm of the people around you, so your feet lift and land at different times.
Owen kept falling out of step during the military drill and had to start again.
phrase: fall out of step
Nia was out of step with her dance partner during the first few rehearsals.
One soldier was visibly out of step, and it caught the instructor's attention.
Anthony practised alone for hours because he was often out of step with the group.
The new recruit felt embarrassed when he realised he was completely out of step.
- out of time
can apply to any rhythmic activity, not just walking
- in step
walking at the same rhythm as others
文法句型
out of step (with someone)
用法筆記
Frequently appears with 'fall' (fall out of step) to describe the moment when someone loses the rhythm. The opposite is 'in step' (sense 10). For the figurative meaning about having different opinions, see sense 13.
常見錯誤
13. used for describing a situation where a person's beliefs, values, or lifestyle c
used for describing a situation where a person's beliefs, values, or lifestyle choices do not match those of the larger group they belong to — suggesting a feeling of separation or mild disagreement.
Feng felt out of step with his classmates because he preferred classical music over pop.
pattern: feel out of step with [someone]
The politician's views on education were out of step with what most parents wanted.
pattern: be out of step with [beliefs/opinions]
Amani realised she was out of step with her generation's attitudes toward social media.
Tomás knew his career choices were out of step with his family's traditional expectations.
The small town's customs seemed out of step with the fast changes happening everywhere else.
- at odds with
suggests a stronger, more direct conflict rather than just difference
- out of line with
informal, hints that someone is breaking expected norms
- in conflict with
implies active opposition, not just a lack of alignment
- in step with
having beliefs or values that match the group (sense 11)
文法句型
be out of step with + [someone/something]
用法筆記
Only appears within the fixed phrase 'out of step' — do not use bare 'step' for this meaning. The opposite figurative sense is 'in step' (sense 11, guide word IN AGREEMENT), which describes alignment with a group. Frequently followed by 'with' to specify the person or group.
常見錯誤
14. In Western music, the pitch change when moving from one member of a scale to the
In Western music, the pitch change when moving from one member of a scale to the very next member of that same scale — either a whole tone (covering two semitones, such as C to D) or a half tone (covering one semitone, such as E to F).
Amelia played the C major scale in steps, moving up one white key at a time.
pattern: play/sing in steps
Vikram hummed a folk melody that moved in steps, keeping the tune simple to learn.
Zola learned whole and half step patterns while practising major scales on her guitar.
Maja learned that moving a step up from C on the keyboard gives you D.
Greta learned that a semitone is the smallest step on a piano, like E moving to F.
- whole tone
the formal music theory term for a two-semitone interval
- interval
the general term for any pitch distance between two notes
用法筆記
Often used in two flavours: 'whole step' (the distance of two frets on a guitar or two keys on a piano with one key in between) and 'half step' (one fret or one key apart). 'Step' in this sense is the same as 'whole tone'. The opposite is 'leap' (an interval larger than a step).
常見錯誤
15. a type of group exercise class in which participants repeatedly step up onto a s
a type of group exercise class in which participants repeatedly step up onto a small raised platform and then step back down to the floor, usually following music and an instructor's cues.
Justin joined a step class at the gym to get fit and stay active.
collocation: step class = step aerobics class
The instructor counted the beat while everyone stepped onto the platform in rhythm.
Noa used a low wooden box at home for her daily step aerobics routine.
Omar's step routine included side kicks and knee lifts on the bench.
Élise bought a purple step platform for her morning workout sessions at home.
- step aerobics
the full, formal name for this type of exercise
用法筆記
Often shortened to just 'step' in fitness contexts: 'I do step three times a week.' In this sense, 'step' is an uncountable noun referring to the activity, not a single movement. The platform itself is called a 'step platform' or simply 'the step'.
常見錯誤
step — combining form
1. Describes a person who becomes your relative through a parent's remarriage — the
Describes a person who becomes your relative through a parent's remarriage — the step- element signals that the family tie comes from your mother or father choosing a new partner, not from sharing the same birth parents.
Heloísa wrote a thank-you note to her stepmother for weekly violin lessons.
step- + mother
When her mother remarried, Defne gained a stepfather and two stepsiblings who followed her everywhere.
shows cause: parent's remarriage
Ingrid and her stepsister baked cookies every Saturday without arguing over whose turn it was.
When Minho's father went overseas, his stepfather taught him bike riding at the park.
Yael's school counselor helped her journal about life with her new stepsister, easing the transition.
文法句型
step- + family noun (mother, father, brother, sister, child, parent, daughter, son)
用法筆記
Attaches only to family nouns such as mother, father, brother, sister, child, daughter, son, parent, and family. Do not confuse with half- (half-brother shares one biological parent) or -in-law (related through the marriage of the person themself, not through a parent's remarriage). Frequently encountered in narratives about blended or remarried families.
常見錯誤
step — prefix
1. a word element attached to immediate-family nouns (mother, father, sister, broth
a word element attached to immediate-family nouns (mother, father, sister, brother, child, son, daughter) to create compounds meaning 'related through a parent's remarriage, not through shared birth'.
In class, the teacher showed how step- turns father into stepfather when a parent remarries.
prefix step- + [family noun] → new compound noun
Stepparent is formed by adding step- to parent, for when a person with children remarries.
compound formation: step- + parent → stepparent
In their family tree project, Yuna and Arjun listed stepmother under relatives connected through remarriage.
The dictionary shows stepson and stepdaughter form by adding step- to son and daughter.
Unlike aunt or uncle, the nouns sister, brother, child form step- compounds like stepsister.
- blood
describes a family relationship through birth rather than remarriage (e.g. blood relative, blood brother)
- biological
formal term for a relative by birth, in contrast to a step-relative (e.g. biological mother, biological father)
文法句型
step- + [family noun] → [new compound noun]
用法筆記
Only attaches to nouns for immediate family members such as mother, father, son, daughter, sister, brother, parent, and child. It is NOT used for extended relatives like cousin, uncle, or aunt. Distinguish from half-: a half-sibling shares one biological parent; a step-sibling has no blood relation — the link comes entirely through a parent's remarriage. The prefix remains the same regardless of gender (stepmother / stepfather / stepson / stepdaughter).