What is step? Pronunciation and usage in English

step means . Learn how to pronounce and use step through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of step

stepnoun/verb

/stɛp/
Definition & pronunciation of step

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "step" in English. There are actually two common pronunciations, and it depends a little on where you are and what dialect you're hearing.

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /step/

  • How to say it: It sounds like "steep." Notice the short "e" sound, like in "bed." It’s a quick, clipped pronunciation.

    • Break it down:
      • "st" is pronounced like the "st" in "stop."
      • "ep" is pronounced as a single, short "e" sound.

2. The British Pronunciation:

  • IPA: /step/ (same as American) - but it's often slightly softer.
  • How to say it: It’s a little more rounded, with a slightly more distinct “e” sound. It doesn’t have the sharp, clipped feel of the American pronunciation.

Resources to help you hear the difference:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/step/ - This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word in both American and British English.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce step" on YouTube – you'll find numerous videos demonstrating the difference.

To summarize: In most contexts, if you're speaking to an American, the “steep” pronunciation is perfect. If you’re speaking to a Brit, you’ll be understood either way.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat one of the pronunciations?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "step"?

Usage and examples with the word step in English

Let's break down how to use the word "step" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. Physical Movement (The most common meaning)

  • To move forward one pace: This is the most basic meaning.
    • Example: "I took a step forward to get a better view."
    • Example: "She stepped carefully over the puddle."
  • To ascend or descend a staircase:
    • Example: "He stepped onto the first step of the staircase."
    • Example: "Please step down from the podium."
  • To move in a particular direction:
    • Example: "He stepped back to avoid bumping into her."
  • To move suddenly (often implying a cautious movement):
    • Example: "She stepped out of the car cautiously."

2. Action/Process (Taking a stage or part)

  • To progress in a process or sequence: This refers to taking a stage or phase.
    • Example: "The negotiation is at a crucial step." (meaning stage)
    • Example: “He’s made several important steps toward his goal.” (meaning progress)
    • Example: "The first step is to gather information." (meaning a stage in a process)
  • To take a specific action (often a requirement):
    • Example: “You need to step up your game if you want to win.” (meaning to improve)
    • Example: “Take a step to show your appreciation.” (meaning do something)

3. Figurative Language & Idioms

  • Step up (to the plate): To take responsibility or action.
    • Example: “You need to step up and help with the project.”
  • Step aside: To give way or let someone else take the lead.
    • Example: “Please step aside so I can pass.”
  • Step out (with someone): To start a romantic relationship.
    • Example: "They stepped out together a few months ago."
  • Step in: To intervene in a situation, often to help.
    • Example: "I had to step in and resolve the argument."
  • Step over: To ignore something or someone. (Can have a negative connotation)
    • Example: "Don’t step over her when she’s having a bad day."

4. Footwear/Equipment

  • Step (of a boot or shoe): A part of a boot or shoe.
    • Example: “The step of his boot was worn.”

5. Legal/Formal

  • Step (in a court): To approach the judge’s bench.
    • Example: “The lawyer stepped forward to address the court.”

Tips for Using "Step" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: The meaning of "step" depends heavily on how it's used in the sentence.
  • Think about movement: If you're talking about physical movement, it's usually a simple action.
  • Pay attention to verbs: "Step" is often used with verbs like take, step up, step aside, step in.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you trying to use "step" in? (e.g., writing a story, giving a presentation, talking to a friend)

Synonyms for the word step

Idioms of the word step

break step
to change the way you are walking so that you do not walk in the same rhythm as the people you are walking or marching with
  • The soldiers turned without once breaking step.
fall into step (beside/with somebody)
to change the way you are walking so that you start walking in the same rhythm as the person you are walking with
  • He caught her up and fell into step beside her.
in/out of step (with somebody/something)
putting your feet on the ground in the right/wrong way, according to the rhythm of the music or the people you are moving with
  • He was out of step with the music.
  • She had trouble keeping in step with the others.
having ideas that are the same as or different from other people’s
  • She was out of step with her colleagues.
mind/watch your step
to walk carefully
    to behave in a careful and sensible way
    • You’d better watch your step with him if you don’t want trouble.
    one step forward, two steps back
    (saying)used to say that every time you make progress, something bad happens that means that the situation is worse than before
      a/one step ahead (of somebody/something)
      when you are one step ahead of somebody/something, you manage to avoid them or to achieve something more quickly than they do
      • She's always one step ahead of the competition.
      a/one step at a time
      when you do something one step at a time you do it slowly and gradually

        Practice with vocabulary step

        Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

        1. Before presenting to the board, we need to take one more crucial ____ in refining our proposal.
        2. The project is currently in its initial ____ of development, focusing on research and planning.
        3. The first ____ in any scientific experiment is to formulate a hypothesis.
        4. To prevent data breaches, the IT department implemented a new security ____.

        Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

        1. Which word(s) best complete the sentence: "Developing a new product often involves a series of logical ____, from concept to launch." a) steps b) stages c) processes d) phases

        2. The management decided to take a decisive ____ to address the declining sales figures. a) stride b) step c) leap d) phase

        3. Significant ____ has been made in the treatment of the disease, offering new hope to patients. a) advancement b) headway c) progress d) stride

        4. What is the next logical ____ in your career progression? a) step b) move c) action d) progression

        5. The team needs to find a more efficient ____ to solve this complex problem. a) approach b) technique c) manner d) stage

        Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

        1. Rewrite the sentence to use a form of "step": "The company decided to implement a new policy to reduce energy consumption."

        2. Rewrite the sentence to use a form of "step": "Developing a comprehensive marketing strategy is the initial stage of our campaign."

        3. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word, without using "step" or its forms: "We need to advance to the next stage of development."

        Answer:

        Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

        1. step
        2. phase
        3. step
        4. measure

        Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

        1. a) steps, b) stages, c) processes, d) phases
        2. a) stride, b) step, c) leap
        3. a) advancement, b) headway, c) progress
        4. a) step, b) move
        5. a) approach, b) technique

        Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

        1. The implementation of a new policy to reduce energy consumption was a crucial step for the company.
        2. The first step of our campaign is to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy.
        3. We need to progress to the next stage of development.

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