A2noun 1K

Step

🇬🇧 UK /["/step/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/step/"]/

Meaning of Step

one of a series of things that you do in order to achieve something

In simple words: To lift your foot and put it down in a new position.

Step in a sentence

• She took a step forward to greet her friend.
• The first step in the project is crucial for success.
• He stumbled and almost missed a step on the staircase.
• The dance requires you to follow each step carefully.
• Can you show me the step to fix the problem?
• The company will step in if there are any issues.
• You need to step up your efforts in this competition.
• He plans to take a step back from his responsibilities.

How to use Step

Commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. In formal situations, it might refer to stages in a process, while in informal contexts, it can refer to walking or making progress.

Grammar pattern

step + adverb/prepositional phrase

Memory hint

Think of a 'step' as a single move in a dance; each step gets you closer to your goal.

Related words

Collocations with Step

• big
• considerable
• giant
• number
• series
• go
• make
• take
• step in
• step towards/​toward
• a step closer (to something)
• a short step from something to something
• a step back
• big
• considerable
• giant
• number
• series
• go
• make
• take
• step in
• step towards/​toward
• a step closer (to something)
• a short step from something to something
• a step back
• large
• small
• heavy
• go
• take
• retrace
• step (away) from
• step towards/​toward
• a spring in your step
• a step ahead
• a step behind
• large
• small
• heavy
• go
• take
• retrace
• step (away) from
• step towards/​toward
• a spring in your step
• a step ahead
• a step behind
• front
• back
• porch
• flight
• go up
• run up
• walk up
• lead to something
• step to
• step down to
• step up to
• the bottom of the steps
• the foot of the steps
• the top of the steps
• dance
• jive
• tango
• execute
• perform
• learn
• in step
• out of step (with)
• large
• small
• heavy
• go
• take
• retrace
• step (away) from
• step towards/​toward
• a spring in your step
• a step ahead
• a step behind

Synonyms for Step

• stride
• tread
• march
• pace
• walk

Opposites of Step

• stop
• remain

Common mistakes with Step

• 'Step' confused with 'staple'
• Using 'stepped' when 'step' is needed
• Misusing in idiomatic expressions

Frequently asked questions about Step

What does Step mean?

To lift your foot and put it down in a new position.

What is the definition of Step?

one of a series of things that you do in order to achieve something

How do you use Step in a sentence?

She took a step forward to greet her friend.

Can you give another example of Step?

The first step in the project is crucial for success.

What are synonyms for Step?

Common alternatives include stride, tread, march, pace, walk.

What is the opposite of Step?

Opposite meanings include stop, remain.

What words go with Step?

It commonly pairs with big, considerable, giant, number, series, go, make, take, step in, step towards/​toward, a step closer (to something), a short step from something to something, a step back, big, considerable, giant, number, series, go, make, take, step in, step towards/​toward, a step closer (to something), a short step from something to something, a step back, large, small, heavy, go, take, retrace, step (away) from, step towards/​toward, a spring in your step, a step ahead, a step behind, large, small, heavy, go, take, retrace, step (away) from, step towards/​toward, a spring in your step, a step ahead, a step behind, front, back, porch, flight, go up, run up, walk up, lead to something, step to, step down to, step up to, the bottom of the steps, the foot of the steps, the top of the steps, dance, jive, tango, execute, perform, learn, in step, out of step (with), large, small, heavy, go, take, retrace, step (away) from, step towards/​toward, a spring in your step, a step ahead, a step behind.

What are common mistakes when using Step?

'Step' confused with 'staple' Using 'stepped' when 'step' is needed Misusing in idiomatic expressions

How do you pronounce Step?

US: /["/step/"]/, UK: /["/step/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Step?

Commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. In formal situations, it might refer to stages in a process, while in informal contexts, it can refer to walking or making progress.

What CEFR level is Step?

"Step" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.