steps
steps — noun
1. one of a series of small actions that you do one after another in order to reach
one of a series of small actions that you do one after another in order to reach a particular goal or complete a task — for example, following a recipe, learning a skill, or solving a problem.
The first step in baking a cake is to mix the flour and eggs together.
"step in [gerund]" pattern for starting a process
Mei followed every step of the repair guide carefully.
Taking this class is an important step toward getting your degree.
The next step is to send your application to the admissions office.
文法句型
step in [process]
step of [process]
the next step is to [verb]
用法筆記
Commonly used with 'next', 'first', 'important', and 'necessary'. The object of 'step' in this sense is usually an action or task, not a physical object.
常見錯誤
2. a flat surface shaped like a narrow shelf, placed one above another in a series
a flat surface shaped like a narrow shelf, placed one above another in a series so that you can go up or down between different levels inside a building or on a path.
The children sat on the front steps waiting for the ice-cream truck.
"sit on the steps" — physical location usage
Be careful — the stone steps are very slippery after the rain.
Hideo held the railing tightly as he walked down the steep wooden steps.
The old ladder had three broken rungs, so Priya climbed only to the fifth step.
文法句型
[number] steps
up/down the steps
a flight of steps
用法筆記
Often plural ('steps') when referring to a short staircase. 'Stairs' usually refers to a full indoor staircase between floors; 'steps' can be indoors or outdoors and often refers to shorter flights.
常見錯誤
3. each time you raise your foot and set it down somewhere else as you move from on
each time you raise your foot and set it down somewhere else as you move from one spot to another; also, the short distance between where your foot lands and where it was before.
Chloe took one step forward and then stopped suddenly.
"take a step" — core collocation
The café is only a few steps from the train station.
"a few steps from [place]" for short distance
Kim heard a noise behind her and took a quick step to the side.
With every step the soldier's boots sank deeper into the mud.
文法句型
take a step [direction]
a step forward/backward
within a few steps of [place]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: this sense involves a literal physical foot movement, not a figurative stage in a process. 'Take a step' can be ambiguous — context determines whether it means a literal foot movement or a figurative action.
常見錯誤
4. the state of either matching (in step) or not matching (out of step) the rhythm
the state of either matching (in step) or not matching (out of step) the rhythm of a group's marching or walking, or — in figurative use — having opinions, ideas, or values that are the same as or different from those of others around you.
The soldiers marched in perfect step, left foot hitting the ground at the same time.
"in step" — literal marching in unison
Dr. Lin's views on education are completely out of step with the current government policy.
"out of step with" — figurative disagreement
The band struggled to keep in step during the parade on the cobblestone street.
Aiko felt out of step with her classmates, who all wanted careers in finance.
- in harmony
more formal; implies peaceful agreement rather than rhythm matching.
- aligned
can be used literally or figuratively for being in agreement.
- out of step
the direct opposite; not matching rhythm or opinion.
文法句型
in step with [someone/something]
out of step with [someone/something]
keep in step
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively in the fixed phrases 'in step' and 'out of step'. The preposition 'with' introduces the person or group being matched or mismatched. Figurative use is very common in discussion of social, political, or generational differences.
常見錯誤
5. a short folding ladder with flat steps instead of rungs, used in homes for reach
a short folding ladder with flat steps instead of rungs, used in homes for reaching high places.
Marta fetched a pair of steps from the shed to change the lightbulb.
"a pair of steps" — set phrase in British English
Make sure someone holds the steps steady while you climb up.
The library steps folded neatly and slid behind the door.
- stepladder
the standard term in American English; clearer than 'steps' for this meaning.
- step stool
a shorter, single-step version without a folding frame.
文法句型
[adjective] steps
climb [up] a pair of steps
用法筆記
In British English 'steps' or 'a pair of steps' commonly means a stepladder. In American English 'stepladder' is more common than 'steps' for this meaning.
6. a fixed pattern of foot movements that forms part of a dance, taught to learners
a fixed pattern of foot movements that forms part of a dance, taught to learners and practised until it can be performed smoothly.
The instructor showed the class the basic steps of the salsa.
"steps of [dance name]" pattern
Lin spent every evening practising the waltz steps in her living room.
The tango has a very different set of steps from the foxtrot.
文法句型
[style] steps
learn the steps to [dance]
step pattern
用法筆記
Often in the plural ('the steps') when referring to a complete sequence of foot movements for a dance. Specific dances name their step patterns (e.g., 'cha-cha steps', 'hip-hop steps').
7. how far apart two neighbouring notes are in terms of pitch when you play them on
how far apart two neighbouring notes are in terms of pitch when you play them one after another on a scale — for example, the change you hear moving from one white key on a piano to the next white key.
In western music the smallest distance between two notes is called a half step.
"half step" — semitone in American English
Moving from C to D is a whole step on the piano keyboard.
The melody rises step by step from a low note to a high note.
文法句型
[adjective] step
a [number]-step interval
stepwise motion
用法筆記
In American English 'whole step' and 'half step' are the standard terms; in British English 'tone' and 'semitone' are more common. This sense is domain-specific to music theory.
8. a level, grade, or position within a system where things are arranged from lowes
a level, grade, or position within a system where things are arranged from lowest to highest — for example, in a job hierarchy, a salary scale, or a social ranking.
Wei moved up one step on the pay scale after her performance review.
"step on the [scale]" — position in a ranking system
A senior lecturer is one step above an assistant professor in this department.
Each step on the career ladder requires more experience and responsibility.
The Watanabe family moved up a few social steps after opening their own shop.
文法句型
a step above/below [noun]
move up/down a step
[adjective] step on the [scale/ladder]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 focuses on actions in a sequence, whereas sense 8 focuses on position in a hierarchy or scale. Often appears in metaphorical phrases like 'career ladder' or 'social ladder'.
常見錯誤
steps — verb
1. to lift one foot and put it down in a different place in order to move forward,
to lift one foot and put it down in a different place in order to move forward, backward, or to the side.
The baby took a deep breath and stepped carefully toward her mother.
step + toward + noun phrase
Lars stepped onto the train just as the doors were closing.
step + onto + noun phrase
We stepped over the puddle and walked along the muddy path.
Amir stepped forward to shake the visitor's hand.
The dancers stepped in time to the lively music coming from the speakers.
- stand still
not moving the feet at all
- stumble
to lose balance while stepping
文法句型
step + adverb/preposition
step + forward/back/aside/over/onto
用法筆記
Commonly used with a direction word or preposition such as 'forward', 'back', 'onto', 'over', or 'aside' to show where the foot lands.
常見錯誤
2. to move the feet in time to music, following the rhythm of a song or a dance bea
to move the feet in time to music, following the rhythm of a song or a dance beat — for example, swaying or tapping at a party, or rehearsing specific foot patterns in a dance class.
Kwame asked if she wanted to step to the rhythm of the jazz band.
step to + [rhythm/music]
The couple stepped together in perfect time, making the waltz look simple.
The school children stepped and clapped across the gym floor during the show.
At the wedding, guests stepped along to the upbeat pop songs played by the DJ.
文法句型
step + (to/along/across)
step + [dance name]
用法筆記
This sense focuses on the physical act of moving the feet in response to music — it is about rhythm and beat, not about executing a memorised sequence from start to finish. For performing a complete choreographed sequence, see sense 5 (FOLLOW PROCEDURE).
3. to push down firmly on something with the bottom of the foot.
to push down firmly on something with the bottom of the foot.
Fatima stepped on the brake just in time to avoid hitting the dog.
step on the brake (vehicle context)
The gardener stepped firmly on the spade to push it into the dry soil.
Jack accidentally stepped on his sister's glasses and broke them.
Step on the clutch gently when you want to change gears in the car.
- lift
to raise the foot off the surface
文法句型
step on + noun phrase
用法筆記
Always followed by 'on' plus an object. Unlike sense 1, this sense focuses on applying pressure rather than changing position.
常見錯誤
4. to leave a place, especially quickly, suddenly, or with determination — often us
to leave a place, especially quickly, suddenly, or with determination — often used to describe someone moving away from a situation or conversation.
After the argument, Diego stepped away from the table and left without a word.
step away from + [place/group] — purposeful departure
When the fire alarm rang, the office workers stepped quickly toward the emergency exit.
The guest stepped outside to take a phone call during the dinner party.
Nadia stepped back from the edge of the cliff, her heart racing.
文法句型
step + adverb (away/back/outside)
step + direction word
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (MOVE ON FOOT): sense 1 describes any single foot movement from one spot to another, without implying a change of location or leaving. Sense 4 specifically describes departing from a place, often with speed or purpose. While sense 1 can take many prepositions ('onto', 'over', 'into'), sense 4 is most common with 'away', 'back', 'outside', and 'toward [exit]'.
5. to go through a fixed series of actions or instructions in a precise, planned or
to go through a fixed series of actions or instructions in a precise, planned order — for example, following a safety drill, a ceremonial ritual, or a military marching sequence from start to finish.
Before the parade, the soldiers stepped the entire drill in perfect formation.
step + drill — military marching sequence
The students stepped the graduation ceremony sequence without a single mistake.
With everyone watching, Ana stepped through the fire safety protocol in under two minutes.
The new recruits stepped the evacuation procedure repeatedly until it became automatic.
- perform
broader; can apply to any kind of presentation, not just planned sequences
- execute
more formal; suggests precision and following instructions
- go through
less formal; to do a sequence from start to end
文法句型
step + noun phrase (a drill/a procedure/a ceremony)
用法筆記
Unlike sense 2 (DANCE) which focuses on moving the feet in response to a musical beat, this sense is about executing a memorised sequence of actions from start to finish. The object is typically a procedure, drill, ceremony, or routine — not just music. This sense cannot take a dance name as its object (you would not 'step the waltz' in this sense; that belongs to sense 2).
6. to arrange or shape something so that it has a series of flat surfaces at differ
to arrange or shape something so that it has a series of flat surfaces at different heights, like a staircase.
The gardener stepped the flower beds down the slope to prevent soil erosion.
The architect stepped the roof to follow the natural shape of the hill.
step + [architectural feature]
The hairdresser stepped the layers of the haircut for a softer, more natural look.
The garden was stepped into three wide terraces overlooking the valley below.
- flatten
to make level or even
文法句型
step + noun phrase + adverb/preposition
be + stepped
用法筆記
Often used in the passive voice ('the land is stepped') or to describe a deliberate design choice in construction, gardening, or hairdressing.