# step

/ˈstɛp/ (US) · /stˈɛp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/step
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. movement of the foot

noun · CEFR A2

the movement you make by lifting your foot and putting it down in a new place when walking.

For teachers: a single complete movement of the foot in walking or running, involving a change in position.

- He took a step forward to get a better look at the painting.
- With every step she took across the gravel path, the crunching sound echoed through the silent garden.

### 2. a stair

noun · CEFR A2

a flat surface that you walk on to go up or down to a different level.

For teachers: a flat surface, especially one in a series, for the foot in ascending or descending.

- Be careful on the bottom step because the wood is a bit loose.
- The grand marble staircase consisted of thirty wide steps, each polished to a mirror-like finish that made the climb feel precarious.

### 3. part of a process

noun · CEFR B1

one action in a series of actions that you take to achieve something.

For teachers: a distinct stage or phase in a multi-part process or sequence of actions.

- The first step in making a cake is to preheat the oven.
- Securing a reliable supplier is a critical step toward ensuring the long-term viability of the manufacturing project.

### 4. musical interval

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the distance in pitch between two notes that are next to each other.

For teachers: the interval between two contiguous degrees of a musical scale.

- In a major scale, the distance between the first and second notes is a whole step.
- The melody moves primarily by step, avoiding large leaps to maintain a smooth and lyrical vocal quality.

### 5. family member

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a short way to say stepchild or stepsibling.

For teachers: a colloquial clipping for a relative related by a parent's remarriage rather than blood.

- She gets along really well with her step and they go hiking every weekend.
- While the legal documents specified 'stepchildren', the family simply referred to them as the 'steps' in casual conversation.

### 6. to move the foot

verb · CEFR A2

to lift your foot and put it down in a different place.

For teachers: to move by lifting the foot and setting it down again in a new position; often used with directional particles.

- Please step aside so the people behind you can see the screen.
- He stepped cautiously onto the frozen lake, testing the thickness of the ice with his weight before proceeding further.

### 7. to be confrontational

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang

to challenge someone or act like you want to fight.

For teachers: to behave in a confrontational or aggressive manner toward someone.

- He was acting tough and trying to step to me in front of his friends.
- The rival gang member tried to step to the leader, but the tension was defused before a physical altercation occurred.

## Examples

- He took a step forward to see the map better.
- The first step in learning a new language is often the most difficult one to take.
- The government's latest policy represents a significant step toward resolving the housing crisis, though critics argue that further legislative measures are still required.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.