step
22 synonyms and 0 antonyms for step, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A single movement of the foot when walking, or one of a set of surfaces used to go up or down, as on a staircase.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use step
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English steppan, "to step, go, advance," related to the words "stamp" and "stomp."
Full origin of step →Frequently asked questions
What does “step” mean?
The word “step” means a single movement of the foot when walking, or one of a set of surfaces used to go up or down, as on a staircase. In plain terms, a single movement forward with the foot, a stair, or one part of a larger process.
How do you pronounce “step”?
“Step” is pronounced stehp (/stɛp/ in IPA).
How do you use “step” in a sentence?
Here is “step” used in a sentence: “Watch your step on the icy pavement.”
What part of speech is “step”?
Depending on how it is used, “step” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “step” come from?
The word “step” comes from Old English. From Old English steppan, "to step, go, advance," related to the words "stamp" and "stomp.".
Is “step” a common word?
“Step” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “step” have?
“Step” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a single movement of the foot when walking, or one of a set of surfaces used to go up or down, as on a staircase.
What is the difference between a step and a stair?
A step is a single surface you place your foot on, or one movement of the foot. A stair usually means the same single unit, but the plural, stairs, refers to the whole flight together. So one step is part of a set of stairs, and many steps make up a staircase.
What is the difference between a step and a stride?
A step is one ordinary movement of the foot in walking. A stride is a longer, more deliberate step, or the full distance covered from one footfall to the next. People take small steps when moving carefully and long strides when walking quickly or confidently. A stride simply covers more ground.
What are the different meanings of step?
Step has several senses. It can be a single movement of the foot, or a surface on a staircase. It also means one stage in a process, as in 'the next step,' and an action taken toward a goal, as in 'taking steps to improve.' Context shows which meaning applies.
What is an example of step in a sentence?
'She climbed the last step to reach the door' shows the staircase meaning. 'He took a step forward' shows the walking sense. 'The first step in baking is measuring the flour' shows a stage in a process. Each uses step differently while keeping the idea of a single, distinct move.