Step Meaning
Step Definition & Usage
A movement made by lifting one foot and putting it down in a new position, typically as part of walking.
Examples
- "She took a step forward, her heart pounding with excitement."
- "He stumbled on the last step and nearly fell."
- "The steps were icy, so she walked very carefully."
- "With each step, the distance between them grew smaller."
- "A long flight of steps led up to the castle entrance."
A significant stage or action in a process or progression.
Examples
- "The first step in the plan is to gather information."
- "You’ve taken a big step toward understanding the problem."
- "One step at a time, they moved closer to their goal."
- "The next step will be to test the hypothesis."
- "After several steps, the experiment was complete."
To move by lifting one foot and putting it down in a new position.
Examples
- "She stepped lightly across the room, careful not to disturb anything."
- "He stepped into the sunlight, squinting as his eyes adjusted."
- "The children stepped eagerly into the classroom."
- "He stepped back to admire his work."
- "They stepped off the bus and into the cold air."
An action or decision that signifies a shift or change, especially in behavior or circumstances.
Examples
- "That was a huge step in the right direction."
- "He took a step back to reconsider his options."
- "Her decision to start a business was a bold step into the unknown."
- "By admitting he was wrong, he took a step toward reconciliation."
- "She was afraid of taking the next step in her career."
Cultural Context
The word 'step' has been in use since Old English and has expanded its meaning over time. It is deeply ingrained in both everyday language and specialized fields like dance, physics, and psychology. Its association with movement and progression makes it highly versatile.
The Next Step
Story
The Next Step
Once upon a time in a small village nestled between the hills, there lived a young woman named Clara. She was known for her quiet determination, always taking things one step at a time. Her father, a seasoned traveler, had taught her that no matter how difficult the journey, every step mattered. One crisp morning, Clara stood at the edge of the forest, staring at the path that led to the distant mountain. 'The next step,' she whispered to herself, 'is always the hardest.' With a deep breath, she took her first step onto the worn trail. It wasn’t easy; the ground was uneven, and the air was thick with the scent of pine. But Clara was not deterred. She had taken many steps before in her life—through the halls of school, across the fields of her childhood, and into adulthood. Each step had been part of her journey, and now this was her greatest challenge yet. As she climbed higher, Clara thought about the steps she had taken to get here. She remembered the first time she had decided to leave the safety of home. Her heart had raced with uncertainty, but her resolve had been clear. She had taken that step, and now here she was, closer to her dream of reaching the summit. Hours passed, and soon the sun began to set. Clara knew that each step forward brought her closer to her goal. Her muscles ached, but she kept moving. 'Just one more step,' she thought. And then another. And another. Until at last, she reached the peak. At the top, Clara looked out over the vast landscape, a feeling of peace washing over her. She had done it. Every step had been worth it. In that moment, she understood something she hadn’t before—the importance of the journey, of taking the next step, no matter how daunting. As Clara made her way back down the mountain, she was already thinking ahead. There would be other steps, other challenges, but for now, she was content. She had learned that sometimes, taking one step forward was all it took to change everything. The End.
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