step
step
UK[step]US[step]
n
the act of moving by lifting your foot and putting it down in a different place
n
one of a series of actions taken to achieve a goal
n
a flat surface, especially one in a series, on which you place your foot when moving from one level to another
v
to move by lifting your foot and putting it down in a different place
Etymology
The word 'step' originates from the Old English 'steppan' (to step, go) and 'stæpe' (a step), which are derived from the Proto-Germanic stap- meaning "to tread, stamp." This root is further traced back to the Proto-Indo-European stebh-, signifying "to support, place firmly on, to stamp." The core concept of placing the foot down firmly connects directly to the modern meanings of a foot movement, a stage in a process, and a physical support for the foot. Its journey from a concrete action of walking to an abstract metaphor for a stage in a procedure exemplifies a common semantic evolution in the English lexicon.
Analysis
The word 'step' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It functions as both a noun and a verb.
Examples
He took a step back to get a better view.
The first step in the recipe is to preheat the oven.
Be careful on the wooden steps; they are slippery.