# stepped

/ˈstɛpt/ (US) · /stˈɛpt/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. moved your foot

verb · CEFR A2

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

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

- He stepped carefully over the puddle so he wouldn't get his shoes wet.
- She stepped onto the podium with a mixture of trepidation and pride, ready to address the assembled delegates for the first time.

### 2. having levels like stairs

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: arranged in a series of graduated levels, offsets, or tiers resembling a staircase.

- The garden had a stepped design that followed the slope of the hill.
- The ancient temple featured a stepped pyramid structure, with each level becoming progressively smaller as it reached the summit.

### 3. stepped up (increased)

verb · CEFR B2

increased the amount or speed of something.

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

- The factory stepped up production to meet the high demand for the new phone.
- Security measures were significantly stepped up following the discovery of a potential vulnerability in the building's access control system.

## Examples

- She stepped onto the bus carefully.
- He stepped over the puddle to keep his new shoes dry while crossing the street.
- The witness stepped forward to provide a detailed account of the events, despite the obvious tension in the courtroom.

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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.