FluencyCraft

steps

"Steps" is a very common English word with several useful meanings. It can refer to physical things you walk on, the act of walking, or stages in a process. Here are the most important senses you'll encounter.

1nounstairs or raised surfaces

These are the flat surfaces you put your feet on when going up or down — like the stairs outside a building or a small ladder. Think of the stone steps leading up to a front door.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

Be careful on the steps — they are wet from the rain.

She sat on the front steps of the house, waiting for her friend.

The library has a long flight of steps leading to the entrance.

2nounstages in a process

When you do something in an organised way, each part of the process is called a step. Think of a recipe — first you mix the flour, then you add eggs. Each of those actions is a step.

everyday language, instructions, business · Modern, widely used

Follow these steps carefully to set up your new phone.

The first step to learning a language is building your vocabulary.

The doctor explained the steps of the treatment plan.

3nouna single movement of the foot when walking

Every time you lift one foot and put it down in a new place while walking, that is one step. You might count your steps when you exercise, for example.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

He took a few steps forward and then stopped.

She counted every step as she walked up the hill.

The baby took her first steps at ten months old.

4verbto move by placing your foot somewhere

When you 'step' somewhere, you move your foot to a specific place — often carefully or deliberately. It is like a single, intentional movement of the foot.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

Please step aside so others can pass.

He stepped over the puddle to keep his shoes dry.

She stepped into the room quietly so she wouldn't wake anyone.

5nounfigurativean action taken toward a goal

This is a figurative use. A 'step' can mean a decision or action that moves you closer to something you want. You are not literally walking — you are making progress.

everyday language, business, politics · Modern, widely used · figurative

Getting this job was a big step in her career.

Signing the agreement was an important step toward peace.

Learning to drive was a major step toward independence for him.

Content generated by AI — may contain inaccuracies