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first step

first step

281 1.4
The first action you take to begin something
  • noun
translation icon : primer paso
  • The first step to colonizing the galaxy.
  • take the first step
  • first step in process
  • first step toward understanding

Think about how they took their first step just like me.

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Examples

  • The process lasts a year and is considered the first step toward full membership.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Program development and testing, however, is only the first step in the innovation process of public education.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Then maybe this is your first step on the path to God.

  • It's the first step to a future of my own making.

  • Such knowledge is, in effect, a first step in the whole process of nation building.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Knowledge is the first step in building skill.

  • Even more importantly, make today be your first step, not your last.

  • So this is the first step, cleaning up the equation.

  • Admitting you have a problem is the first step.

  • Taking the first step towards your goals can be the most important part of the journey.

Synonyms

step
vsfirst step
1.0

An action taken as one stage in a process

is specifically the initial action or earliest stage in the sequence
start
vsfirst step
1.0

The time or place when something begins

focuses on the initial action or stage rather than a time or signal
opening
vsfirst step
350 1.0

The first part that marks the start of something, for example a ceremony

is the initial action or stage itself rather than a ceremonial beginning
starting point
vsfirst step
69 3.0

A place, time, or situation that people use as a basis for later action

refers to the initial action or stage rather than a location or basis
initiative
vsfirst step
34 4.2

The first action that starts a series of events

is the general initial stage rather than specifically triggering the process
initiation
vsfirst step
15 4.7

The act of beginning something such as a project

is more about the initial stage within a sequence rather than the single act
opening move
vsfirst step
2 3.9

The first action someone takes at the start of a game or negotiation

is the wider initial action or stage beyond games or negotiations

Antonyms

398 1.0

The final part of something, like an event, story, or relationship

How Advanced

completion
108 2.4
first step
281 1.4
planning
507 2.2
idea
1.0

Surface Forms

first step singular
first steps plural

Morphology

first + step

The meaning 'the initial action or stage' is directly and compositionally derived from 'first' (preceding all others) modifying 'step' (a discrete action or phase). This ADJ+N pattern is a standard, cross-linguistically common way to mark the initial stage, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

First step uses the clear image of taking the very first step when you begin to walk or move forward. Because that small action starts the whole journey, the phrase now means the 'initial action' or stage you must take to get started.