step
step — 動詞
1. to raise one foot and move it to a new position when walking, running, or dancin
踩；踏
抬起腳移動位置或踩到某物上
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.
Jin 小心地跨過廚房地板上的碎玻璃。
step + over + obstacle
Mira stepped onto the bathroom scales and looked down at the number.
Mira 站上浴室體重計，低頭看著數字。
step onto + surface
Heather stepped outside to take a quick phone call from her mother.
Heather 走到外面去接媽媽打來的電話。
Rachid stepped on the brake as the car in front slowed down suddenly.
Rachid 踩下煞車，因為前面的車突然減速。
Kian stepped onto the wooden porch, and the old boards creaked under his weight.
Kian 踏上木頭門廊，舊木板在他腳下吱吱作響。
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 — 名詞
1. One of the periods or phases that something passes through as it develops from a
階段
發展或變化過程中的一個時期
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.
這項研究的第一步是訪問所有志願者。
step in [process] — indicating what the process involves
Reema reached the final step of her training programme feeling very proud.
Reema 抵達訓練計劃的最後階段時感到非常自豪。
Paying attention is an important step towards becoming a better driver.
專心是成為更好駕駛員的重要階段。
Each step of the building process was checked by the safety team before work continued.
建築過程的每個階段都經過安全小組的檢查，之後才繼續施工。
The hospital took the unusual step of offering free check-ups to everyone in the neighbourhood.
那家醫院採取了不尋常的做法，為附近的每個人提供免費健康檢查。
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
步驟
為了達成目標而採取的一項行動
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.
Rodrigo 在遭受駭客攻擊後採取了必要步驟來保護他的網路帳戶。
take steps to + [infinitive] — common pattern for deliberate actions
The city council announced new steps to reduce traffic in the downtown area.
市議會公布了減少市中心車流量的新措施。
Yasmin's first step was to call the clinic and make an appointment for her mother.
Yasmin 的第一步是打電話到診所為母親預約掛號。
Bilal thought carefully about what step to take next after losing his job.
Bilal 仔細思考失去工作後下一步該怎麼做。
The charity took a bold step by opening a second shelter in the nearby town.
這家慈善機構邁出了大膽的一步，在鄰近城鎮開設了第二間收容所。
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
逐步；循序
按照固定順序依次進行
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.
Folake 逐步學習鋼琴曲目，而不是一次把整首彈完。
step by step — fixed adverbial phrase for gradual progress
The teacher explained long division one step at a time so nobody got lost.
老師逐步講解長除法，確保沒有人聽不懂。
Ezra told himself to take recovery one step at a time and not rush things.
Ezra 告訴自己要一步一步來，不要急著康復。
The instructions were written step by step so beginners could follow them easily.
說明書是逐步寫成的，讓初學者也能輕鬆跟著做。
Caio repaired the old motorcycle step by step over three weekends in the garage.
Caio 在車庫裡花了三個週末逐步修好那輛舊機車。
- 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
梯級
上下樓梯時腳踩的平面
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.
Brooke 坐在最下面一階，在比賽開始前繫好她的跑步鞋。
The third wooden step creaked loudly when Ezra walked up the stairs at midnight.
Ezra 半夜走上樓梯時，第三階木頭梯級發出響亮的吱嘎聲。
ordinal number + step — identifying a specific stair
Little Hoa could barely reach the top step without holding her father's hand tightly.
小 Hoa 如果不緊緊抓著爸爸的手，幾乎搆不到最上面那階梯。
Caio counted twenty stone steps as he climbed the spiral tower to the top.
Caio 數著爬上了螺旋塔的石階，共二十階才到頂端。
Mind the second step on the back staircase because the paint makes it rather slippery.
小心後樓梯的第二階，因為那裡的油漆讓階面變得很滑。
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
梯凳
可摺疊的短梯，用來拿高處物品
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.
Sayaka 打開鋁製梯凳，爬上去清潔高高的廚房櫥櫃。
unfolded + step — describing how a stepladder is used
Eitan carried the step from the shed and set it under the broken gutter.
Eitan 把梯凳從工具間搬出來，放在破損的排水槽下方。
The old wooden step wobbled dangerously when Hoa reached for the top shelf.
Hoa 伸手拿最上層架子時，那張舊木梯凳危險地搖晃著。
Léa folded the step and put it away in the utility room after painting.
Léa 刷完油漆後把梯凳摺好，放回儲藏室裡。
- 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
腳步
走路或跑步時抬腳再落地的單次動作
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.
Ezra 看到那隻狗在大門邊低吼，便小心翼翼地往後退了一步。
take + a step + [direction] — common physical movement pattern
Reema heard a noise behind her and stopped after just two quick steps forward.
Reema 聽到身後有聲音，只向前走了兩步就停了下來。
The baby took her first step while her mother filmed the moment on her phone.
小寶寶踏出了人生的第一步，當時媽媽正用手機錄下這一刻。
Bilal took two steps left so the waiter could pass through the narrow aisle.
Bilal 向左移動了兩步，好讓服務生能穿過狹窄的走道。
Yasmin counted each step in her head as she walked across the wooden bridge nervously.
Yasmin 緊張地走過木橋時，在腦中數著每一步。
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
一步
一步所涵蓋的長度；很近的距離
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.
超市距離他們家門口只有幾步路。
countable: a few steps = short distance
Noor took a step forward to get a better view of the painting.
Noor 往前跨了大約一步距離，以便看清楚那幅畫。
The hotel was just a short step from the train station.
那家旅館距離火車站只有短短幾步路。
Christopher measured the room and said it was twelve steps wide.
Christopher 量了一下房間，說這個房間的寬度大約是十二步的距離。
There is a bus stop just a few steps down the street from Eri's house.
從 Eri 家沿街走幾步路就有一個公車站。
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
步伐；步態
走路或跑步時的腳步方式，反映情緒或狀態
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.
Renata 邁著自信的步伐走進辦公室，愉快地和每個人打招呼。
collocation: confident step / light step / heavy step
After hearing the news, Tuan walked home with a slow and heavy step.
聽到那個消息後，Tuan 拖著沉重而緩慢的步伐走回家。
Nia had a spring in her step all morning after passing the test.
Nia 考試通過後，整個早上腳步都輕快有活力。
Élise could recognise her mother's step from the sound on the stairs.
Élise 能從樓梯上的腳步聲認出媽媽的腳步。
There was an unsteady step in the old man's walk after his illness.
那位老先生生病後走路步伐不太穩。
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.
舞步
跳舞時腳部的特定動作
one of the specific foot movements that together form a pattern in dancing.
Nikhil practised the basic salsa steps every evening after work.
Nikhil 每天下班後練習基本莎莎舞步。
The dance instructor showed the class each step of the waltz very slowly.
舞蹈老師非常緩慢地向全班示範華爾滋的每一個舞步。
collocation: learn/teach/practise the steps
Sari kept forgetting the next step in the traditional folk dance.
Sari 一直記不住那支傳統民俗舞蹈的下一個舞步。
The tango has a well-known sequence of steps that beginners must master first.
探戈有著名的舞步組合，初學者必須先熟練這些基本步。
Anthony counted the beat under his breath while learning the new dance step.
Anthony 一邊學新的舞步，一邊低聲數著拍子。
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
步伐一致
與他人同時抬腳落腳地行走或行進
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.
士兵們邁著整齊一致的步伐走過閱兵場，一個錯誤都沒有。
phrase: march in step
Ilan tried hard to walk in step with his taller friend during the race.
Ilan 在賽跑中努力跟上他較高的朋友的腳步節奏。
pattern: in step with [someone]
The little boy struggled to stay in step with the rest of the marching band.
那個小男孩很難跟上樂隊其他人的步伐節奏。
Owen and his partner practised until they were perfectly in step with each other.
Owen 和他的搭檔反覆練習，直到兩人的步伐一致。
The whole team walked in step during the opening ceremony of the sports day.
整支隊伍在運動會開幕式上步伐整齊地行進。
- 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
一致；同步
意見、想法或價值觀與他人相同
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.
Renata 對氣候變遷的看法與科學研究相當一致。
pattern: in step with [ideas/research/trends]
The company must stay in step with changing consumer habits to survive.
公司必須跟上消費者習慣的變化才能生存。
Eri felt that her fashion sense was completely in step with current trends.
Eri 覺得自己的時尚品味完全符合當前的流行趨勢。
Tuan made sure his business plan was in step with the expectations of local investors.
Tuan 確保他的商業計畫符合當地投資者的期望。
The new education policy is in step with what local parents have been requesting.
新的教育政策與當地家長一直以來的訴求是一致的。
- 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
不合拍
行走時抬腳落腳的節奏與他人不同
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.
Owen 在軍事訓練中一直跟不上步伐，只好重來一次。
phrase: fall out of step
Nia was out of step with her dance partner during the first few rehearsals.
Nia 在頭幾次排練中因腳步不一致而被舞伴提醒。
One soldier was visibly out of step, and it caught the instructor's attention.
有一名士兵明顯步伐不一致，引起了教官的注意。
Anthony practised alone for hours because he was often out of step with the group.
Anthony 獨自練習了好幾個小時，因為他常常跟不上團體的節奏。
The new recruit felt embarrassed when he realised he was completely out of step.
那位新兵發現自己完全跟不上步伐時，感到非常尷尬。
- 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
不合；分歧
想法或生活方式與他人不同
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.
Feng 覺得自己和同學格格不入，因為他偏好古典音樂而非流行樂。
pattern: feel out of step with [someone]
The politician's views on education were out of step with what most parents wanted.
那位政治人物的教育觀點與大多數家長的期望背道而馳。
pattern: be out of step with [beliefs/opinions]
Amani realised she was out of step with her generation's attitudes toward social media.
Amani 發現自己對社群媒體的態度與同輩不太一樣。
Tomás knew his career choices were out of step with his family's traditional expectations.
Tomás 知道自己的職業選擇與家人傳統的期待不合。
The small town's customs seemed out of step with the fast changes happening everywhere else.
這個小鎮的習俗似乎跟不上其他地方發生的快速變化。
- 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
級進
音階中相鄰音級之間的距離
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.
Amelia 在鋼琴上以級進方式練習 C 大調音階，一次往上移一個白鍵。
pattern: play/sing in steps
Vikram hummed a folk melody that moved in steps, keeping the tune simple to learn.
Vikram 哼著一首以級進為主的民謠旋律，讓曲調很容易學起來。
Zola learned whole and half step patterns while practising major scales on her guitar.
Zola 在吉他上練習大調音階時，學會了全音與半音的固定模式。
Maja learned that moving a step up from C on the keyboard gives you D.
Maja 學到從 C 往上移動一個全音就到達 D。
Greta learned that a semitone is the smallest step on a piano, like E moving to F.
Greta 學到，半音是鋼琴上最小的級進，例如從 E 移動到 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
階梯有氧
踩踏平台做的有氧運動
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.
Justin 加入健身房的階梯有氧課程，以保持健康和活力。
collocation: step class = step aerobics class
The instructor counted the beat while everyone stepped onto the platform in rhythm.
教練邊數拍子邊讓大家跟著節奏踏上平台。
Noa used a low wooden box at home for her daily step aerobics routine.
Noa 在家裡用一個矮木箱進行每日的階梯有氧訓練。
Omar's step routine included side kicks and knee lifts on the bench.
Omar 的階梯有氧動作包括在踏板上做側踢和抬膝。
Élise bought a purple step platform for her morning workout sessions at home.
Élise 買了一個紫色的階梯有氧踏板，在家進行早晨鍛鍊。
- 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 — 構詞成分
1. Describes a person who becomes your relative through a parent's remarriage — the
繼親
因家長再婚而形成的家庭關係
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.
Heloísa 寫了一張感謝卡給她的繼母，感謝她每週載她去上小提琴課。
step- + mother
When her mother remarried, Defne gained a stepfather and two stepsiblings who followed her everywhere.
Defne 的母親再婚後，她多了一個繼父和兩個到處跟著她的繼手足。
shows cause: parent's remarriage
Ingrid and her stepsister baked cookies every Saturday without arguing over whose turn it was.
Ingrid 每個星期六都和繼妹一起烤餅乾，兩人從不為了輪到誰而吵架。
When Minho's father went overseas, his stepfather taught him bike riding at the park.
Minho 的父親出國後，他的繼父在公園裡教他騎腳踏車。
Yael's school counselor helped her journal about life with her new stepsister, easing the transition.
Yael 的學校輔導員幫助她書寫關於與新繼妹一起生活的日記，讓適應過程順利許多。
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 — 字首
1. a word element attached to immediate-family nouns (mother, father, sister, broth
繼親前綴
加在親屬名詞前表示再婚關係的詞綴
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.
在課堂上，老師示範了 step- 如何加在 father 前面形成 stepfather，用於父母再婚的情況。
prefix step- + [family noun] → new compound noun
Stepparent is formed by adding step- to parent, for when a person with children remarries.
Stepparent 是將 step- 加在 parent 前面形成的，用於有子女的一方再婚的情況。
compound formation: step- + parent → stepparent
In their family tree project, Yuna and Arjun listed stepmother under relatives connected through remarriage.
在家庭樹作業中，Yuna 和 Arjun 將 stepmother 歸類在因再婚而產生的親屬項目下。
The dictionary shows stepson and stepdaughter form by adding step- to son and daughter.
詞典顯示，stepson 和 stepdaughter 是將 step- 加在 son 和 daughter 前面所形成的。
Unlike aunt or uncle, the nouns sister, brother, child form step- compounds like stepsister.
與 aunt 或 uncle 不同，sister、brother 和 child 可以形成 step- 複合詞，例如 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).