doorstep
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a step outside the door of a house or building.
n.a step or small platform outside the entrance of a building.
Simple“The delivery driver left the package on the doorstep and rang the bell.”
In context“The old woman sat on her doorstep every evening, watching the neighbourhood children play in the street until the lamps flickered on.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the area very close to where you live.
n.the immediate vicinity or locality of one's residence.
Simple“We are lucky to have a beautiful park right on our doorstep.”
In context“Living in the city centre means having world-class museums and galleries right on your doorstep, though the noise can be a significant drawback.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a very thick slice of bread.
n.a particularly thick slice of bread, typically hand-cut.
Simple“He made a massive sandwich with two doorsteps of white bread.”
In context“The farmhouse breakfast included two doorsteps of toasted bloomer bread, heavily buttered and served with homemade marmalade.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
v.to go from house to house to sell things or ask for support.
v.to visit households in succession for the purpose of canvassing, soliciting donations, or sales.
Simple“The local politician spent the weekend doorstepping residents to hear their concerns.”
In context“Charity volunteers spent the afternoon doorstepping the affluent suburbs, hoping to secure monthly pledges for the new community centre.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
v.to wait outside someone's house to get an unexpected interview.
v.to wait outside a person's home or place of work to obtain an unsolicited interview or statement.
Simple“Reporters tried to doorstep the minister as he left his home this morning.”
In context“The tabloid was criticised for doorstepping the grieving family only hours after the news of the accident had broken.”
UsageOften used in the context of investigative journalism.
From door + step.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.