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step

step

1.0
An action taken as one stage in a process
  • noun
  • /stɛp/
translation icon : paso
  • Indeed, many steps and many interactions between these steps can be conceived for the problem-solving process.
  • the first step
  • take steps
  • the next step

This is the number one step to shift the view.

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Examples

  • This is the most important step of the design process.

  • So what are the three steps to changing a belief?

  • I think it was really a step in that direction.

  • This is the number one step to shift the view.

  • All businesses share a number of key steps and key problems.

  • One step at a time, okay?

  • Are you ready to take the next step?

  • The assessment of reading progress is the first step in modifying instruction to meet individual needs.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Being aware of how this is affecting your life... and actioning it is a big step.

  • Taking the first step towards a healthier lifestyle can be challenging but rewarding.

Synonyms

stage
vsstep
987 1.7

A time or step in a process

is a single action or move rather than a longer period
measure
vsstep
  • Formal
823 3.8

An action taken to deal with a problem or reach a goal

can be any action or part of a sequence, not always planned to solve problems
phase
vsstep
735 3.7

A stage in a process or cycle, like the Moon's appearance

is an individual action or planned act within a sequence rather than a time period
18 3.6

A thing that helps you make progress toward a goal

is any action or part of a sequence and may not help reach a goal

Antonyms

12 3.5

A period of time with no movement or action

1 6.5

Still water that does not move in pipes or lakes, causing poor quality

Idioms

Be careful when you move and act to avoid danger and trouble

In a better position because you are ready before others

To do a task slowly, handling each part before the next

32 4.6

To take responsibility and act when a difficult situation happens

23 1.8

In a gradual way, doing each part one after another

18 6.1

Not in agreement with the ideas or actions of others

6 3.5

Doing something at the same time and in the same way as someone else

4 6.6

Make someone angry by doing their job or making decisions for them

2 7.3

To take responsibility and act when someone else cannot

Become the main focus of people's attention after doing something important

1 4.9

An energetic way of walking that shows happiness or confidence

worth every step
  • Informal
1 6.6

So valuable that you feel the effort was not wasted

No two experiences are exactly the same

A small action that leads to a very large benefit for all people

Progress that bigger problems later undo

To imagine how someone else feels and sees things

Think in a new way instead of your usual way

8.6

To have unexpected problems because of your own mistake

Compounds

281 1.4

The first action you take to begin something

23 2.8

Done in separate parts, each finished before the next

20 3.6

An increase in amount, level, or strength

9 1.9

A set of foot movements that form part of a dance

5 4.1

Done in a single stage that needs only one main step

half step
  • Specialized
3 4.4

The smallest jump between two notes in Western music, one piano key apart

two-step
  • Texting
3 3.9

Needing two actions to prove a person's identity online

3 4.6

A decrease in amount or level, for example moving to a lower job

A method with two steps done one after the other

one-step
  • Archaic
3 9.5

A fast ballroom dance from the early 1900s with quick walking steps

2 5.6

A wrong action or decision that hurts progress

2 2.0

A small stool with one or two steps used to reach high places

2 4.1

A lively partner dance with quick then slow steps to music

1 3.0

A short portable structure with flat steps and two sides joined at the top to form an A shape

step-down
  • Specialized
1 5.5

A device like a transformer that lowers electrical voltage

naughty step
  • Baby Talk
1 7.7

A place where a child sits as a short punishment for bad behaviour

1 4.0

A kind of dance where exact foot movements make the rhythm

1 8.4

A short one-piece underwear with shoulder straps worn by women or children

step-up transformer
  • Specialized
1 4.8

A device that raises the voltage of electric current that changes direction

whole step
  • Specialized
1 5.4

The distance between two notes that are two piano keys apart

corbel step
  • Specialized
9.9

A stone or brick step that sticks out along the sloping edge of a gable wall

9.9

A stepped top on the end wall of a roof that looks like stone stairs

9.9

A stepped edge at the top of a wall under a sloping roof

A march with straight legs swung high used in military parades

A track event where an athlete does a hop, a step, then a long jump in one run

A stage in getting better after illness, injury, or addiction

step rocket
  • Specialized
7.8

A rocket with two or more parts that fire one after another and drop away when empty to reach space

step-down transformer
  • Specialized
5.6

A device that lowers high electric voltage so appliances work safely

How Important

breakthrough
242 3.9
milestone
103 3.2
to advance
417 3.4
step
1.0
action
1.3

Surface Forms

step singular
steps plural

Etymology

Step comes from the idea of moving one foot at a time, so we use step for one action or stage in a process — it is like taking one small move forward.