English Reference
verb · adjective

stepped

v. · adj.
US /ˈstɛpt/ UK /stˈɛpt/ stepped

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    v.moved by lifting your foot and putting it down in a different place.

    v.the past tense of 'step', indicating the action of moving by lifting and setting down one's foot.

    Simple

    He stepped carefully over the puddle so he wouldn't get his shoes wet.

    In context

    She stepped onto the podium with a mixture of trepidation and pride, ready to address the assembled delegates for the first time.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.having a shape with different levels or flat sections, like a set of stairs.

    adj.arranged in a series of graduated levels, offsets, or tiers resembling a staircase.

    Simple

    The garden had a stepped design that followed the slope of the hill.

    In context

    The ancient temple featured a stepped pyramid structure, with each level becoming progressively smaller as it reached the summit.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.increased the amount or speed of something.

    v.the past tense of the phrasal verb 'step up', meaning to increase the intensity, volume, or speed of an activity.

    Simple

    The factory stepped up production to meet the high demand for the new phone.

    In context

    Security measures were significantly stepped up following the discovery of a potential vulnerability in the building's access control system.

Usage stepped back

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated