step*/*/*/

[step] noun [C] I

1) a movement made by putting one foot in front of the other, or the sound that your feet make while you are walking

I could hear the steps coming closer.[/ex]

The postbox is just a few steps from my front door.[/ex]

Tom took a step backwards.[/ex]

2) one of a series of actions that you take in order to achieve a particular aim

The government must take steps to control inflation.[/ex]

This agreement is an important step towards our goal.[/ex]

This new law is the first step in making our city safer.[/ex]

It's not the best deal for staff, but it's a step in the right direction.[/ex]

The new microchip is a major step forward (= improvement) in computer technology.[/ex]

3) a flat surface, usually one in a series, that you walk up or down in order to move to a different level

I met him on the front steps of the bank.[/ex]

I climbed a flight of steep steps (= a set of steps).[/ex]

4) one of the stages in a process

When you finish the exercise, repeat steps five to ten.[/ex]

Her new job is a big step up for her.[/ex]

Don't worry, we'll take things one step at a time (= gradually).[/ex]

She was congratulating herself on her cleverness, but he was one step ahead of her.[/ex]

5) a particular movement or set of movements that you make with your feet while dancing

Juan was practising his new dance steps.[/ex]

•

in step — 1) if people walk in step, each person moves their feet at exactly the same time as the others; 2) if people or things are in step, they agree or move at the same rate[/ex]

Prices usually keep in step with inflation.[/ex]

out of step — if people or things are out of step, they do not agree or move at the same rate[/ex]

II

verb [I]

step */*/[step]

1) to move somewhere by putting one foot down in front of the other

I stepped onto the platform and started to speak.[/ex]

2) to move or walk a short distance

Please step outside and wait for a moment.[/ex]

•

- step aside

- step down

- step forward

- step in

- step sth up