Stepped

To move by lifting one foot and putting it down in a different place, To take a particular action or make a decision, To increase or decrease in a gradual or measured way, To walk with long or vigorous strides

Stepped - Meanings

To move by lifting one foot and putting it down in a different place

Example: She carefully stepped over the puddle on the sidewalk.

Usage: formal/informalContext: everyday situations

Note: This is the most common literal meaning of 'stepped.'

To take a particular action or make a decision

Example: He stepped in to resolve the conflict between the two colleagues.

Usage: formalContext: professional environments

Note: Used to indicate intervention or involvement in a situation.

To increase or decrease in a gradual or measured way

Example: The price of the product stepped up over the years.

Usage: formalContext: business or academic contexts

Note: Often used to describe incremental changes or progress.

To walk with long or vigorous strides

Example: She stepped out of the car and walked briskly towards the entrance.

Usage: informalContext: casual settings

Note: Can imply a sense of purpose or determination in movement.

Stepped's synonyms

walked

To move by taking steps in a particular direction.

Example: She walked up the stairs to her apartment.

Note: Similar to 'stepped' but may imply a more continuous or fluid motion.

treaded

To walk in a specified way or on a specified surface.

Example: He carefully treaded on the icy path to avoid slipping.

Note: Similar to 'stepped' but often implies cautious or deliberate movement.

ascended

To go up or climb.

Example: The hikers ascended the mountain slowly but steadily.

Note: More formal and often used in the context of moving upwards, especially in a physical sense.

climbed

To move or go up (something) using both feet and hands.

Example: The children climbed the tree to get a better view.

Note: Specifically refers to moving upwards using both hands and feet, often on a steep surface.

Stepped expressions, common phrases

step up

To increase effort or performance; to make an extra effort to improve.

Example: She needs to step up her game if she wants to win the competition.

Note: The word 'step' refers to the physical action of moving one foot after the other, while 'step up' implies taking action to improve or enhance something.

step down

To resign or voluntarily leave a position of authority or responsibility.

Example: The manager decided to step down after many years of leading the company.

Note: While 'step' simply means to move by lifting one foot and putting it down in a different place, 'step down' specifically refers to relinquishing a position or role.

step in

To become involved in a situation, especially to help or take control when needed.

Example: I had to step in and mediate the argument between my friends.

Note: When you 'step in', you intervene or get involved in a situation, whereas 'step' alone refers to physical movement.

step out

To take a risk or do something different from what is usual for you.

Example: She stepped out of her comfort zone and took on a new challenge.

Note: While 'step' just denotes movement by lifting and setting down the foot, 'step out' implies venturing beyond one's comfort zone or usual routine.

step by step

In a gradual and methodical manner, one stage at a time.

Example: I followed the instructions step by step to assemble the furniture.

Note: Unlike 'step' alone, which refers to the physical act of stepping, 'step by step' emphasizes a systematic and gradual approach to a task or process.

watch your step

To be careful about how you act or what you say in order to avoid problems.

Example: The path is slippery, so watch your step.

Note: 'Watch your step' is a cautionary phrase advising someone to be cautious or attentive, in contrast to the simple action of 'step'.

take a step back

To pause and reevaluate a situation from a more detached perspective.

Example: When things get overwhelming, it's important to take a step back and reassess the situation.

Note: While 'step' is a physical movement, 'take a step back' figuratively means to create distance or gain perspective on a situation.

Stepped everyday (slang) expressions

stepped up

To take action or make an effort beyond what is expected or required, often to improve a situation or fulfill a responsibility.

Example: She really stepped up and took charge of the project.

Note: The slang term 'stepped up' implies a proactive and often positive response, while 'stepped' alone typically just refers to movement.

stepped off

To behave in a disrespectful or confrontational manner, often deserving of retribution or consequences.

Example: He shouldn't have said that to her, he really stepped off this time.

Note: Unlike the neutral connotation of 'stepped', 'stepped off' carries a negative and confrontational tone.

stepped on

To feel disrespected, ignored, or mistreated by someone else's actions or words.

Example: I think he felt stepped on when they didn't consider his opinion.

Note: While 'stepped' may indicate movement, 'stepped on' specifically refers to the emotional impact of feeling disregarded or unappreciated.

stepped out

To make an appearance, especially in a stylish or impressive manner.

Example: She stepped out in a stunning gown for the event.

Note: Compared to the general idea of 'stepped', 'stepped out' involves a deliberate and often notable presentation.

stepped around

To avoid confronting or dealing with a problem or topic directly.

Example: They kept dancing around the real issue, never directly addressing it.

Note: While 'stepped' implies movement or action, 'stepped around' suggests avoiding or skirting a particular issue.

Stepped - Examples

Stepped approach is often used in project management.

The company has taken a stepped approach to implementing the new policy.

She stepped onto the stepped platform and looked out at the view.

Stepped grammar

Stepped - Verb (Verb) / Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense)

Lemma: step

Conjugations

Noun, plural (Noun, plural): steps

Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): step

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): stepped

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): stepping

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): steps

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): step

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): step

Syllabification and Stress

stepped Contains 1 syllables: step

Phonetic transcription: ˈstep

step , ˈstep (The red syllable is stressed)

Stepped - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

stepped: ~ 2000 (Very common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

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