steps

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Word: Steps

Part of Speech: Noun

Basic Definition:
The word "steps" refers to the movement a person makes when walking. It can also mean a series of stairs or a pathway that someone takes while walking.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "steps" when talking about walking or moving from one place to another.
• It can also be used when discussing stairs in a building.

Examples:

1. Walking Context:

   • "I followed in his steps to see where he went." (This means you walked the same path he took.)

2. Stairs Context:

   • "She climbed the steps to reach the front door." (Here, "steps" refers to the stairs leading to the door.)

Advanced Usage:

• "Retraced his steps" means to go back the way you came.

  • Example: "After realizing he forgot his keys, he retraced his steps to the café."

• "His steps turned toward home" means he started walking in the direction of his home.

  • Example: "As the sun began to set, his steps turned toward home."

Word Variants:

• Step (singular): Refers to one movement of the foot.
  • Example: "Take a step forward."
• Stepping (verb): The act of moving by lifting and placing your foot.
  • Example: "She is stepping carefully on the icy sidewalk."

Different Meanings:

1. Physical Movement: Referring to the action of walking or the act of placing one's foot down.
2. Stairs: A series of steps leading from one level to another.
3. Procedure or Action: "Steps" can also refer to a series of actions taken to achieve something.
   • Example: "There are five steps to complete the project."

Synonyms:

• Footsteps (when referring to the sound or mark left by walking)
• Stairs (when referring to a staircase)
• Measures (in the context of steps taken to accomplish something)

Idioms:

• "Step by step": This means to do something gradually or in small stages.

  • Example: "We will approach the project step by step."

• "Step up": This means to take action or take responsibility.

  • Example: "She decided to step up and lead the team."

Phrasal Verb:

• "Step down": This means to resign from a position or role.

Academic

Noun

1. the course along which a person has walked or is walking in
   • I followed in his steps
   • he retraced his steps
   • his steps turned toward home
2. a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

Synonyms

• stairs