step
noun
1. any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
- the police took steps to reduce crime
Similar word(s): measure
Definition categories: act, maneuver, manoeuvre
2. the distance covered by a step
- he stepped off ten paces from the old tree and began to dig
Similar word(s): footstep, pace, stride
Definition categories: quantity
3. the act of changing location by raising the foot and setting it down
- he walked with unsteady steps
Definition categories: act, locomotion, travel
4. support consisting of a place to rest the foot while ascending or descending a stairway
- he paused on the bottom step
Similar word(s): stair
Definition categories: man–made, support
5. relative position in a graded series
- always a step behind
- keep in step with the fashions
Similar word(s): gradation
Definition categories: state, rank
6. a short distance
- it's only a step to the drugstore
Definition categories: quantity
7. the sound of a step of someone walking
- he heard footsteps on the porch
Similar word(s): footfall, footstep
Definition categories: event, sound
8. a musical interval of two semitones
Similar word(s): tone
Definition categories: communication, interval
9. a mark of a foot or shoe on a surface
Similar word(s): footmark, footprint
Definition categories: communication, mark, print
10. a solid block joined to the beams in which the heel of a ship's mast or capstan is fixed
Definition categories: man–made, block
11. a sequence of foot movements that make up a particular dance
- he taught them the waltz step
Definition categories: act, locomotion, travel
Sentences with step as a noun:
- The driver must have a clear view of the step in order to prevent accidents.
- One step is generally about three feet, but may be more or less. He improved step by step, or by steps.
- It is but a step.
- The approach of a man is often known by his step.
- Usage note: The word tone is often used as the name of this interval; but there is evident incongruity in using tone for indicating the interval between tones. As the word scale is derived from the Italian scala, a ladder, the intervals may well be called steps.
verb
1. shift or move by taking a step
- step back
Definition categories: motion, go, locomote, move, travel
2. put down or press the foot, place the foot
- step on the brake
Similar word(s): tread
Definition categories: motion, go, locomote, move, travel
3. cause (a computer) to execute a single command
Definition categories: social, execute, run
4. treat badly
- She is always stepping on others to get ahead
Similar word(s): abuse, maltreat, mistreat
Definition categories: social, handle, treat
5. furnish with steps
- The architect wants to step the terrace
Definition categories: possession, furnish, provide, render, supply
6. move with one's feet in a specific manner
- step lively
Definition categories: motion, go, locomote, move, travel
7. walk a short distance to a specified place or in a specified manner
- step over to the blackboard
Definition categories: motion, walk
8. place (a ship's mast) in its step
Definition categories: contact, lay, place, pose, position, put, set
9. measure (distances) by pacing
- step off ten yards
Similar word(s): pace
Definition categories: change, measure, quantify
10. move or proceed as if by steps into a new situation
- She stepped into a life of luxury
- he won't step into his father's footsteps
Definition categories: change, move
Sentences with step as a verb:
- to step to one of the neighbors