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Glite Dictionary
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to stairstep

to stairstep

4.4
To arrange things in small levels that rise like steps
  • verb
  • /ˈstɛrˌstɛp/
translation icon : escalonar
  • You can stairstep the books on the shelf for better visibility.

Examples

  • They stairstepped the seating in the auditorium so everyone could see the stage clearly.

  • The landscaper will stairstep the hillside to create a series of garden beds.

  • To improve accessibility, the architect decided to stairstep the pathway up the slope.

  • The architect plans to stairstep the garden levels.

  • The architect designed the garden to stairstep down the hill, creating various levels for different plants.

  • They decided to stairstep their fundraising efforts, starting with small events and gradually moving to larger ones.

  • As the team progressed through the project, they chose to stairstep their strategy, addressing each phase one at a time.

Surface Forms

stairstep infinitive
stairstepped past
stairstepped past participle
stairstepping present participle
stairsteps third person singular

Morphology

stairstep = stair + step (transparent) = stair + step

The word is a straightforward compound whose parts point to the idea of an arrangement in steps or stages.

Etymology

Stairstep is made of stair and step, so it brings to mind a staircase. To stairstep something is to 'arrange it in steps' or put it into small levels or stages so each part is at a different height.