The Wordsmith Dictionary

Step-. Etym: [AS. steóp -; akin to OFries. stiap-, stiep-, D. & G.stief-, OHG. stiuf-, Icel. stj, Sw. styf-, and to AS. astepan, asteópan, to deprive, bereave, as children of their parents, OHG. stiufen.]

Defn: A prefix used before father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, child, etc. , to indicate that the person thus spoken of is not a blood relative, but is a relative by the marriage of a parent; as, a stepmother to X is the wife of the father of X, married by him after the death of the mother of X. See Stepchild, Stepdaughter, Stepson, etc.

STEPBROTHER

STEPBROTHER Step "broth `er, n.

Defn: A brother by the marriage of one's father with the mother of another, or of one's mother with the father of another.

STEPCHILD

Step "child `, n. Etym: [AS. steópcild.]

1. A bereaved child; one who has lost father or mother. [Obs. ]

2. A son or daughter of one's wife or husband by a former marriage.

STEPDAME

STEPDAME Step "dame `, n.

Defn: A stepmother. Spenser.

STEPDAUGHTER

Step "daugh `ter, n. Etym: [AS. steópdohtor.]

Defn: A daughter of one's wife or husband by a former marriage.

STEP-DOWN

STEP-DOWN Step "-down `, a. (Elec.)

Defn: Transforming or converting a current of high potential or pressure into one of low pressure; as, a step-down transformer.

STEPFATHER

Step "fa `ther, n. Etym: [AS. steópfæder.]

Defn: The husband of one's mother by a subsequent marriage.

STEPHANION

Ste *pha "ni *on, n. Etym: [NL. , from Gr. (Anat. )

Defn: The point on the side of the skull where the temporal line, or upper edge of the temporal fossa, crosses the coronal suture.

STEPHANITE

Steph "an *ite, n. Etym: [So named after the Archduke Stephan, mining director of Austria. ] (Min. )

Defn: A sulphide of antimony and silver of an iron-black color and metallic luster; called also black silver, and brittle silver ore.

STEPHANOTIS

Steph `a *no "tis, n. Etym: [NL. , fr. Gr.

1. (Bot. )

Defn: A genus of climbing asclepiadaceous shrubs, of Madagascar, Malaya, etc. They have fleshy or coriaceous opposite leaves, and large white waxy flowers in cymes.

2. A perfume said to be prepared from the flowers of Stephanotis floribunda.

STEPLADDER

STEPLADDER Step "lad `der, n.

Defn: A portable set of steps.

STEPMOTHER

Step "moth `er, n. Etym: [AS. steópmoder.]

Defn: The wife of one's father by a subsequent marriage.

STEPPARENT

STEPPARENT Step "par `ent, n.

Defn: Stepfather or stepmother.

STEPPE

Steppe, n. Etym: [From Russ. stepe, through G. or F. steppe. ]

Defn: One of the vast plains in Southeastern Europe and in Asia, generally elevated, and free from wood, analogous to many of the prairies in Western North America. See Savanna. Steppe murrain. (Far. ) See Rinderpest.

STEPPED

STEPPED Stepped, a.

Defn: Provided with a step or steps; having a series of offsets or parts resembling the steps of stairs; as, a stepped key. Stepped gear, a cogwheel of which the teeth cross the face in a series of steps.

STEPPER

STEPPER Step "per, n.

Defn: One who, or that which, steps; as, a quick stepper.

STEPPING-STONE

STEPPING-STONE Step "ping-stone `, n.

1. A stone to raise the feet above the surface of water or mud in walking.

2. Fig. : A means of progress or advancement. These obstacles his genius had turned into stepping-stones. Macaulay. That men may rise on stepping-stones Of their dead selves to higher things. Tennyson.

STEPSISTER

STEPSISTER Step "sis `ter, n.

Defn: A daughter of one's stepfather or stepmother by a former marriage.

STEPSON

Step "son `, n. Etym: [AS. steópsunu.]

Defn: A son of one's husband or wife by a former marriage.

STEPSTONE

STEPSTONE Step "stone `, n.

Defn: A stone laid before a door as a stair to rise on in entering the house.

STEP-UP

STEP-UP Step "-up `, a. (Elec.)

Defn: Transforming or converting a low-pressure current into one of high pressure; as, a step-up transformer.

New American Oxford Dictionary

step

step |step stɛp | ▶noun 1 an act or movement of putting one leg in front of the other in walking or running: Ron took a step back | she turned and retraced her steps. • the distance covered by such a movement: Richard came a couple of steps nearer. • [ usu. in sing. ] a person's particular way of walking: she left the room with a springy step. • one of the sequences of movement of the feet that make up a dance. • a short or easily walked distance: the market is only a short step from the end of the lake. 2 a flat surface, esp. one in a series, on which to place one's foot when moving from one level to another: the bottom step of the staircase | a flight of marble steps. • a doorstep: there was a pint of milk on the step. • a rung of a ladder. • ( steps or a pair of steps ) Brit. a stepladder. • Climbing a foothold cut in a slope of ice. • a block, typically fixed to the vessel's keel, on which the base of a mast is seated. • Physics an abrupt change in the value of a quantity, esp. voltage. 3 a measure or action, esp. one of a series taken in order to deal with or achieve a particular thing: the government must take steps to discourage age discrimination | a major step forward in the fight for justice. • a stage in a gradual process: sales are up, which is a step in the right direction. • a particular position or grade on an ascending or hierarchical scale: the first step on the managerial ladder. 4 Music an interval in a scale; a tone (whole step ) or semitone (half step ). 5 step aerobics: [ as modifier ] : a step class. ▶verb ( steps, stepping , stepped ) 1 [ no obj. ] lift and set down one's foot or one foot after the other in order to walk somewhere or move to a new position: Claudia tried to step back | I accidentally stepped on his foot. • [ as imperative ] used as a polite or deferential way of asking someone to walk a short distance for a particular purpose: please step this way. • (step it ) dated perform a dance: they stepped it down the room between the lines of dancers. • take a particular course of action: young men have temporarily stepped out of the labor market. 2 [ with obj. ] Nautical set up (a mast ) in its step. PHRASES break step stop walking or marching in step with others. fall into step change the way one is walking so that one is walking in step with another person. in (or out of ) step putting (or not putting ) one's feet forward alternately in the same rhythm as the people one is walking, marching, or dancing with. • conforming (or not conforming ) to what others are doing or thinking: the party is clearly out of step with voters. • Physics (of two or more oscillations or other cyclic phenomena ) having (or not having ) the same frequency and always in the same phase. keep step remain walking, marching, or dancing in step. one step ahead managing to avoid competition or danger from someone or something: I try to keep one step ahead of the rest of the staff. step by step so as to progress gradually and carefully from one stage to the next: I'll explain it to you step by step | [ as adj. ] : a step-by-step guide. step into the breach see breach. step into someone's shoes take control of a task or job from another person. step on it (or step on the gas ) informal go faster, typically in a motor vehicle. step (or tread ) on someone's toes offend someone by encroaching on their area of responsibility. step out of line behave inappropriately or disobediently. step up to the plate take action in response to an opportunity or crisis. PHRASAL VERBS step aside another way of saying step down below. step back mentally withdraw from a situation in order to consider it objectively. step down withdraw or resign from an important position or office: Mr. Krenz stepped down as party leader a week ago. step something down decrease voltage by using a transformer. step forward offer one's help or services: a company has stepped forward to sponsor the team. step in become involved in a difficult or problematic situation, esp. in order to help or prevent something from happening. • act as a substitute for someone: Lucy stepped in at very short notice to take Joan's place. step out 1 leave a room or building, typically for a short time. 2 informal go out to have a good time: he was stepping out with a redheaded waitress. 3 walk with long or vigorous steps: she enjoyed the outing, stepping out manfully. step something up increase the amount, speed, or intensity of something: police decided to step up security plans for the game. • increase voltage using a transformer. DERIVATIVES step like |-ˌlīk |adjective ORIGIN Old English stæpe, stepe (noun ), stæppan, steppan (verb ), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch steppen and German stapfen .

step-

step- |step- | ▶comb. form denoting a relationship resulting from a remarriage: stepmother. ORIGIN Old English stēop -, from a Germanic base meaning ‘bereaved, orphaned. ’

step aerobics

step aer o bics ▶plural noun [ often treated as sing. ] a type of aerobics that involves stepping up onto and down from a portable block.

Stepanakert

Ste pa na kert |ˌstepənəˈkert, stiˌpänə -ˈstɛpənəˌkərt | Russian name for Xankändi.

stepbrother

step broth er |ˈstepˌbrəT͟Hər ˈstɛpˌbrəðər | ▶noun a son of one's stepparent, by a marriage other than that with one's own father or mother.

step change

step change ▶noun (in business or politics ) a significant change in policy or attitude, especially one that results in an improvement or increase.

stepchild

step child |ˈstepˌCHīld ˈstɛpˌtʃaɪld | ▶noun ( pl. stepchildren ) a child of one's husband or wife by a previous marriage. ORIGIN Old English stēopcild (see step-, child ).

step cut

step cut ▶noun a cut for gemstones in the form of straight facets around the center.

stepdad

step dad |ˈstepˌdad ˈstɛpdæd | ▶noun informal term for stepfather.

stepdaughter

step daugh ter |ˈstepˌdôtər, ˈstepˌdätər ˈstɛpˌdɔdər | ▶noun a daughter of one's husband or wife by a previous marriage.

stepfamily

step fam i ly |ˈstepˌfam (ə )lē ˈstɛpˌfæm (ə )li | ▶noun ( pl. stepfamilies ) a family that is formed on the remarriage of a divorced or widowed person and that includes one or more children.

stepfather

step fa ther |ˈstepˌfäT͟Hər ˈstɛpˌfɑðər | ▶noun a man who is married to one's mother after the divorce of one's parents or the death of one's father.

Stepford

Step ford |ˈstepˌfərd ˈstɛpˌfərd | ▶noun [ as modifier ] denoting someone who is regarded as robotically conformist or obedient: it seems that colleges want to produce a generation of PC-driven Stepford students. ORIGIN from The Stepford Wives, the title of a 1972 novel by Ira Levin (1929 –2007 ), in which Stepford is the name of a fictional idyllic suburb where the men have replaced their wives with robots.

step function

step func tion ▶noun Mathematics & Electronics a function that increases or decreases abruptly from one constant value to another.

stephanotis

steph a no tis |ˌstefəˈnōtis ˌstɛfəˈnoʊdəs | ▶noun a Madagascan climbing plant that is cultivated for its fragrant waxy white flowers. [Genus Stephanotis, family Asclepiadaceae. ] ORIGIN modern Latin, from Greek, literally ‘fit for a wreath, ’ from stephanos ‘wreath. ’

Stephen

Ste phen |ˈstēvən ˈstivən | ( c. 1097 –1154 ), grandson of William the Conqueror; king of England 1135 –54. He seized the throne from Matilda a few months after the death of Henry I. Civil war followed until Matilda was defeated and forced to leave England in 1148.

Stephen, St.

Ste phen, St. 1 (died c. 35 ), Christian martyr. One of the original seven deacons in Jerusalem appointed by the Apostles, he was charged with blasphemy and stoned, thus becoming the first Christian martyr. Feast day (Western Church ) December 26; (Eastern Church ) December 27.

Stephen, St.

Ste phen, St. 2 ( c. 977 –1038 ), king and patron saint of Hungary; reigned 1000 –38. The first king of Hungary, he took steps to Christianize the country. Feast day, September 2 or (in Hungary ) August 20.

Stephenson, George

Ste phen son, George |ˈstēvənsən ˈstivənsən | (1781 –1848 ), British engineer; a pioneer of steam locomotives and railroads. With his son Robert (1803 –59 ) he built the Rocket (1829 ), the prototype for all future steam locomotives.

step-in

step-in ▶adjective [ attrib. ] denoting a garment or pair of shoes that is put on by being stepped into and has no need for fasteners. ▶noun (step-ins ) 1 a pair of such shoes; slip-ons. 2 dated a pair of women's panties.

stepladder

step lad der |ˈstepˌladər ˈstɛpˌlædər | ▶noun a short folding ladder with flat steps and a small platform.

stepmom

step mom |ˈstepˌmäm ˈstɛpmɑm | ▶noun informal term for stepmother.

stepmother

step moth er |ˈstepˌməT͟Hər ˈstɛpˌməðər | ▶noun a woman who is married to one's father after the divorce of one's parents or the death of one's mother.

stepparent

step par ent |ˈste (p )ˌparənt, -ˌpe (ə )r- ˈstɛpˌpærənt | ▶noun a stepfather or stepmother.

steppe

steppe |step stɛp | ▶noun (often steppes ) a large area of flat unforested grassland in southeastern Europe or Siberia. ORIGIN late 17th cent.: from Russian stepʹ.

stepped

stepped |stept stɛpt | ▶adjective having or formed into a step or series of steps: a building with stepped access. • carried out or occurring in stages or with pauses rather than continuously: a stepped scale of discounts.

stepper

step per |ˈstepər ˈstɛpər | ▶noun 1 an electric motor or other device that moves or rotates in a series of small discrete steps. 2 a portable block used in step aerobics. 3 dated a horse with a brisk, attractive walking gait: choosing a showy gray stepper for May's brougham.

steppingstone

step ping stone |ˈstepiNGˌstōn ˈstɛpɪŋˌstoʊn | ▶noun a raised stone used singly or in a series as a place on which to step when crossing a stream or muddy area. • an undertaking or event that helps one to make progress toward a specified goal: the school championships are a steppingstone to international competition.

step response

step re sponse ▶noun Electronics the output of a device in response to an abrupt change in voltage.

stepsister

step sis ter |ˈstepˌsistər ˈstɛpˌsɪstər | ▶noun a daughter of one's stepparent by a marriage other than with one's own father or mother.

stepson

step son |ˈstepˌsən ˈstɛpˌsən | ▶noun a son of one's husband or wife by a previous marriage. ORIGIN Old English stēopsunu (see step-, son ).

step wedge

step wedge ▶noun Photography a series of contiguous, uniformly shaded rectangles growing progressively darker, from white (or light gray ) at one end to black (or dark gray ) at the other.

stepwell

step well |ˈstepˌwel ˈstɛpwɛl | ▶noun the stairwell of a bus.

stepwise

step wise |ˈstepˌwīz ˈstɛpˌwaɪz | ▶adverb & adjective 1 in a series of distinct stages; not continuously: [ as adv. ] : concentrations of the acid tend to decrease stepwise. 2 Music (of melodic motion ) moving by adjacent scale steps rather than leaps: crackling solos and juicy, stepwise guitar counterpoints.

Oxford Dictionary

step

step |stɛp | ▶noun 1 an act or movement of putting one leg in front of the other in walking or running: Ron took a step back | she turned and retraced her steps. • the distance covered by a step: Richard came a couple of steps nearer. • [ usu. in sing. ] a person's particular way of walking: she left the room with a springy step. • each of the sequences of movement of the feet which make up a dance. • a short or easily walked distance: the market is only a short step from the lake. 2 a flat surface, especially one in a series, on which to place one's foot when moving from one level to another: the bottom step of the staircase | a flight of marble steps. • a doorstep: there was a pint of milk on the step. • a rung of a ladder. • ( steps or a pair of steps ) Brit. a stepladder. • [ mass noun ] step aerobics: [ as modifier ] : a step class. • Climbing a foothold cut in a slope of ice. 3 a measure or action, especially one of a series taken in order to deal with or achieve a particular thing: the government must take steps to discourage age discrimination | a major step forward in the fight against terrorism. • a stage in a gradual process: sales are up, which is a step in the right direction. • a particular position or grade on an ascending or hierarchical scale: the first step on the managerial ladder. 4 Music, N. Amer. an interval in a scale; a tone (whole step ) or semitone (half step ). 5 Physics an abrupt change in the value of a quantity, especially voltage. 6 a block fixed to a boat's keel in order to take the base of a mast or other fitting. ▶verb ( steps, stepping, stepped ) 1 [ no obj., with adverbial ] lift and set down one's foot or one foot after the other in order to walk somewhere or move to a new position: Claudia tried to step back | I accidentally stepped on his foot. • [ as imperative ] used as a polite or deferential way of asking someone to walk a short distance for a particular purpose: please step this way. • (step it ) dated perform a dance: they stepped it down the room between the lines of dancers. • take a particular course of action: he stepped out of retirement to answer an SOS call from his old club. 2 [ with obj. ] Nautical set up (a mast ) in its step. PHRASES break step stop walking or marching in step with others. fall into step change the way one is walking so that one is walking in step with another person. in (or out of ) step putting (or not putting ) one's feet forward alternately in the same rhythm as the people one is walking, marching, or dancing with. • conforming (or not conforming ) to what others are doing or thinking: the party is clearly out of step with voters. • Physics (of two or more oscillations or other cyclic phenomena ) having (or not having ) the same frequency and always in the same phase. follow (or tread ) in someone's steps do as someone else did, especially in making a journey or following a career. keep step remain walking, marching, or dancing in step. mind (or watch ) one's step used as a warning to someone to walk or act carefully. one step ahead managing to avoid competition or danger from someone or something: I try to keep one step ahead of the rest of the staff. step by step so as to progress gradually and carefully from one stage to the next: I'll explain it to you step by step | [ as modifier ] : a step-by-step guide. step into the breach see breach. step into someone's shoes take control of a task or job from another person. step on it (or step on the gas ) informal go faster, typically in a motor vehicle. step on someone's toes see tread on someone's toes at tread. step out of line behave inappropriately or disobediently. step up to the plate N. Amer. take action in response to an opportunity or crisis. PHRASAL VERBS step aside another way of saying step down. step back mentally withdraw from a situation in order to consider it objectively. step down withdraw or resign from an important position or office: he stepped down as party leader. step something down decrease voltage by using a transformer. step forward offer one's help or services: a company has stepped forward to sponsor the team. step in become involved in a difficult situation, especially in order to help. • act as a substitute for someone: Lucy stepped in at very short notice to take Joan's place. step out 1 leave a room or building for a short time. 2 N. Amer. informal go out with: he was stepping out with a redheaded waitress. 3 walk with long or vigorous steps: she enjoyed the outing, stepping out manfully. step out on US informal be sexually unfaithful to. step something up 1 increase the amount, speed, or intensity of something: police decided to step up security plans for the match. 2 increase voltage using a transformer. DERIVATIVES step-like adjective ORIGIN Old English stæpe, stepe (noun ), stæppan, steppan (verb ), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch steppen and German stapfen .

step-

step- |stɛp | ▶combining form denoting a relationship resulting from a remarriage: stepmother. ORIGIN Old English stēop -, from a Germanic base meaning ‘bereaved, orphaned ’.

step aerobics

step aer |obics ▶plural noun [ mass noun ] a type of aerobics that involves stepping up on to and down from a portable block.

Stepanakert

Stepanakert |stʲipanəˈkʲɛrt | Russian name for Xankändi.

stepbrother

step |brother |ˈstɛpbrʌðə | ▶noun a son of one's step-parent by a marriage other than that with one's own father or mother.

step change

step change ▶noun (in business or politics ) a significant change in policy or attitude, especially one that results in an improvement or increase.

stepchild

step |child |ˈstɛptʃʌɪld | ▶noun ( pl. stepchildren ) a child of one's husband or wife by a previous marriage.

step-cut

step-cut ▶adjective (of a gem ) cut in straight facets round the centre.

stepdad

step |dad |ˈstɛpdad | ▶noun informal term for stepfather.

stepdaughter

step |daugh ¦ter |ˈstɛpdɔːtə | ▶noun a daughter of one's husband or wife by a previous marriage.

stepfamily

step |fam ¦ily |ˈstɛpfamɪli, -fam (ə )li | ▶noun ( pl. stepfamilies ) a family that is formed on the remarriage of a divorced or widowed person and that includes a child or children.

stepfather

step |father |ˈstɛpfɑːðə | ▶noun a man who is married to one's mother after the divorce of one's parents or the death of one's father.

Stepford

Step |ford |ˈstɛpfəd | ▶noun [ as modifier ] denoting someone who is regarded as robotically conformist or obedient: it seems that colleges want to produce a generation of PC-driven Stepford students. ORIGIN from The Stepford Wives, the title of a 1972 novel by the American writer Ira Levin (1929 –2007 ), in which Stepford is the name of a fictional idyllic suburb where the men have replaced their wives with robots.

step function

step func |tion ▶noun Mathematics & Electronics a function that increases or decreases abruptly from one constant value to another.

stephanotis

stephanotis |ˌstɛfəˈnəʊtɪs | ▶noun a Madagascan climbing plant which is cultivated for its fragrant waxy white flowers. ●Genus Stephanotis, family Asclepiadaceae. ORIGIN modern Latin, from Greek, literally ‘fit for a wreath ’, from stephanos ‘wreath ’.

Stephen

Ste ¦phen |ˈstiːv (ə )n | ( c. 1097 –1154 ), grandson of William the Conqueror, king of England 1135 –54. Stephen seized the throne from Matilda after the death of Henry I. Civil war followed until Matilda was defeated and forced to leave England in 1148.

Stephen, St

Stephen, St 1 (died c. 35 ), Christian martyr. One of the original seven deacons in Jerusalem appointed by the Apostles, he was charged with blasphemy and stoned, thus becoming the first Christian martyr. Feast day (in the Western Church ) 26 December; (in the Eastern Church ) 27 December.

Stephen, St

Stephen, St 2 ( c. 977 –1038 ), king and patron saint of Hungary, reigned 1000 –38. The first king of Hungary, he took steps to Christianize the country. Feast day, 2 September or (in Hungary ) 20 August.

Stephenson, George

Ste ¦phen |son |ˈstiːv (ə )ns (ə )n | (1781 –1848 ), English engineer, a pioneer of steam locomotives and railways. He built his first locomotive in 1814 and by 1825 had designed and driven an engine for the Stockton and Darlington Railway. With his son Robert (1803 –59 ) he built the famous Rocket (1829 ), the prototype for all future steam locomotives. Robert is also famous as a bridge designer.

step-in

step-in |ˈstɛpɪn | ▶adjective [ attrib. ] denoting a garment or pair of shoes that is put on by being stepped into and has no need for fastenings. ▶noun (step-ins ) 1 a pair of step-in shoes; slip-ons. 2 dated, chiefly N. Amer. a pair of women's briefs.

stepladder

step |lad ¦der |ˈstɛpladə | ▶noun a short folding ladder with flat steps and a small platform.

stepmother

step |mother |ˈstɛpmʌðə | ▶noun a woman who is married to one's father after the divorce of one's parents or the death of one's mother.

stepmum

step |mum |ˈstɛpmʌm | ▶noun informal term for stepmother.

step-parent

step-parent ▶noun a stepfather or stepmother.

steppe

steppe |stɛp | ▶noun (often steppes ) a large area of flat unforested grassland in SE Europe or Siberia. ORIGIN late 17th cent.: from Russian stepʹ.

stepped

stepped |stɛpt | ▶adjective 1 having or formed into a step or series of steps: a building with stepped access. 2 carried out or occurring in stages or with pauses rather than continuously: a stepped scale of discounts.

stepper

step |per |ˈstɛpə | ▶noun 1 an electric motor or other device which moves or rotates in a series of small discrete steps. 2 a portable block used in step aerobics.

stepping stone

step |ping stone ▶noun a raised stone used singly or in a series as a place on which to step when crossing a stream or muddy area. • an action or event that helps one to make progress towards a specified goal: the school championships are a stepping stone to international competition.

step response

step re |sponse ▶noun Electronics the output of a device in response to an abrupt change in voltage.

stepsister

step |sis ¦ter |ˈstɛpsɪstə | ▶noun a daughter of one's step-parent by a marriage other than with one's own father or mother.

stepson

step |son |ˈstɛpsʌn | ▶noun a son of one's husband or wife by a previous marriage.

step wedge

step wedge ▶noun Photography a series of contiguous uniformly shaded rectangles, growing progressively darker from white (or light grey ) at one end to black (or dark grey ) at the other.

stepwell

step well |ˈstepˌwel ˈstɛpwɛl | ▶noun the stairwell of a bus.

stepwise

step |wise |ˈstɛpwʌɪz | ▶adverb & adjective in a series of distinct stages; not continuously: [ as adv. ] : concentrations of the acid tend to decrease stepwise.

American Oxford Thesaurus

step

step noun 1 Frank took a step forward: pace, stride. 2 she heard a step on the stairs: footstep, footfall, tread. 3 she left the room with a springy step: gait, walk, tread. 4 it is only a step to the river: short distance, stone's throw, spitting distance; informal 'a hop, skip, and jump'. 5 the top step: stair, tread; (steps ) stairs, staircase, stairway. 6 each step of the ladder: rung, tread. 7 resigning is a very serious step: course of action, measure, move, act, action, initiative, maneuver, operation, tactic. 8 a significant step toward a ceasefire: advance, development, move, movement; breakthrough. 9 the first step on the managerial ladder: stage, level, grade, rank, degree; notch, rung. ▶verb 1 she stepped gingerly through the snow: walk, move, tread, pace, stride. 2 the bull stepped on the farmer's foot: tread on, stamp on, trample (on ); squash, crush, flatten. PHRASES in step he is in step with mainstream thinking: in accord, in accordance, in harmony, in agreement, in tune, in line, in keeping, in conformity, compatible. mind /watch one's step just watch your step when Mrs. Kline gets here: be careful, take care, step /tread carefully, exercise care /caution, mind how one goes, look out, watch out, be wary, be on one's guard, be on the qui vive. out of step the paper was often out of step with public opinion: at odds, at variance, in disagreement, out of tune, out of line, not in keeping, out of harmony. step by step I followed the directions step by step: one step at a time, bit by bit, gradually, in stages, by degrees, slowly, steadily. step down it's time for Rowland to step down: resign, quit, stand down, give up one's post /job, bow out, abdicate; pack it in, call it quits. step in 1 nobody stepped in to save the bank: intervene, intercede, involve oneself, become /get involved, take a hand. 2 I stepped in for a sick colleague: stand in, sit in, fill in, cover, substitute, take over; replace, take someone's place; informal sub. step on it informal if we don't step on it we'll miss the boat: hurry up, get a move on, speed up, go faster, be quick; informal get cracking, get moving, step on the gas; dated make haste. step up 1 the army stepped up its offensive: increase, intensify, strengthen, augment, escalate; informal up, crank up. 2 I stepped up my pace: speed up, increase, accelerate, quicken, hasten.

Oxford Thesaurus

step

step noun 1 Frank took another step forward: pace, footstep, stride. 2 she heard Ellis's step on the stairs: footstep, footfall, tread, tramp. 3 she left the room with a springy step: gait, walk, way of walking, tread, bearing, carriage. 4 the market is only a step from the end of the pier: short distance, stone's throw, spitting distance; informal {a hop, skip, and a jump }. 5 Susan sat on the top step | Maureen ran down the steps: stair, tread, tread board; (steps ) stairs, staircase, stairway; N. Amer. stoop. 6 there was a pint of milk on the step: doorstep, sill. 7 the steps of a ladder: rung, tread. 8 calling in the bailiffs is a very serious step: course of action, measure, move, act, action, procedure, proceeding, initiative; manoeuvre, tactic, strategy, stratagem, operation; French démarche. 9 a significant step towards a ceasefire: advance, progression, development, step in the right direction, step forward, move, movement; breakthrough. 10 the first step on the managerial ladder: stage, level, grade, rank, degree; phase; notch. PHRASES in step he is utterly in step with mainstream American thinking: in accord, in harmony, in agreement, in tune, in line, in keeping, in conformity, in accordance, in consensus, in consilience. ANTONYMS out of step. mind /watch one's step be careful, take care, step carefully /cautiously, walk carefully /cautiously, tread carefully /cautiously, exercise care /caution, mind how one goes, look out, watch out, watch oneself, be wary, be circumspect, be chary, take heed, be attentive, be on one's guard, have /keep one's wits about one, be on the qui vive. out of step the paper was often out of step with public opinion: at odds, at variance, in disagreement, out of tune, out of line, not in keeping, out of harmony, at loggerheads, in opposition, at outs. ANTONYMS in step. step by step one step at a time, bit by bit, gradually, in stages, by degrees, slowly, steadily, slowly but surely; rare gradatim. take steps the government must take steps to discourage age discrimination: take action, take measures, act, take the initiative, move. ▶verb 1 she stepped off the gangway: walk, move, tread, pace, stride. 2 the bull had stepped on his hat: tread, stamp, trample, tramp; squash, crush, flatten. PHRASES step down resign, stand down, give up one's post /job, bow out; retire, abdicate; informal quit, call it a day. ANTONYMS take up office. step in intervene, intercede, become /get involved, act, take action, take measures, take a hand; mediate, arbitrate, intermediate. step on it informal hurry up, get a move on, speed up, go faster, be quick; informal get cracking, get moving, step on the gas, rattle one's dags; Brit. informal get one's skates on, stir one's stumps; N. Amer. informal get a wiggle on; S. African informal put foot; dated make haste. step something up 1 the army stepped up its offensive in the north: increase, intensify, strengthen, augment, escalate, scale up, boost; informal up, crank up. 2 I stepped up my pace: speed up, increase, accelerate, quicken, hasten. ANTONYMS decrease.

stepmother

stepmother noun WORD LINKS stepmother novercal relating to a stepmother Word Links sections supply words that are related to the headword but do not normally appear in a thesaurus because they are not actual synonyms.

Duden Dictionary

Stephan

Ste phan, Ste fan Eigenname Steffen Stefan |St e phan St e fan |männlicher Vorname

Stephania

Ste pha nia, Ste fa nia Eigenname Stefania Stephanie ; Stefanie |Steph a nia Stef a nia |weiblicher Vorname

Stephanie

Ste pha nie , Ste fa nie Eigenname Stephania Stefanie |Steph a nie Stef a nie auch ˈʃtɛfani …ˈniː auch ˈʃtɛfani österreichisch …ˈniː |weiblicher Vorname

Stephanit

Ste pha nit Substantiv, maskulin , der |Stephan i t |ein Mineral

Stephanitag

Ste pha ni tag Substantiv, maskulin , der |Steph a nitag | Stephanstag

Stephansdom

Ste phans dom Substantiv, maskulin , der |St e phansdom |der Stephansdom; Genitiv: des Stephansdom [e ]s in Wien

Stephanstag

Ste phans tag Substantiv, maskulin , der |St e phanstag |Fest des heiligen Stephan 26. Dezember

Stepp

Stepp Substantiv, maskulin , der |ʃtɛp st …|englisch step, eigentlich = Schritt, Tritt 1 Tanzart, bei der die mit Steppeisen beschlagenen Spitzen und Absätze der Schuhe in schnellem, stark akzentuiertem Bewegungswechsel auf den Boden gesetzt werden, sodass der Rhythmus hörbar wird 2 Leichtathletik zweiter Sprung beim Dreisprung

Steppaerobic

Stepp ae ro bic Substantiv, Neutrum oder Substantiv, feminin Sport , das oder die |St e ppaerobic |das Steppaerobic; Genitiv: des Steppaerobics, auch: die Steppaerobic; Genitiv: der Steppaerobic < meist ohne Artikel > aus Stepp und Aerobic Aerobic unter Zuhilfenahme einer stufenartigen Vorrichtung

Steppanorak

Stepp ano rak Substantiv, maskulin , der |St e ppanorak |mit Daunen oder synthetischem Material gefüllter Anorak, dessen Oberfläche durch Steppnähte in [rautenförmige ] Felder gegliedert ist

Steppdecke

Stepp de cke Substantiv, feminin , die |St e ppdecke |gesteppte Bettdecke mit dicker Einlage

Steppe

Step pe Substantiv, feminin , die |St e ppe |die Steppe; Genitiv: der Steppe, Plural: die Steppen russisch step', Herkunft ungeklärt trockene, mit Gras und Stauden, aber nicht mit Bäumen bewachsene Ebene

Steppeisen

Stepp ei sen Substantiv, Neutrum , das |St e ppeisen |Plättchen aus Eisen als Beschlag für Schuhspitze und -absatz zum Steppen

steppen

step pen schwaches Verb |st e ppen ˈʃt … ˈst …|schwaches Verb; Perfektbildung mit »hat « englisch to step = treten 1 Stepp tanzen 2 auf einem Stepper 2 trainieren

steppen

step pen schwaches Verb |st e ppen |schwaches Verb; Perfektbildung mit »hat « mittelhochdeutsch steppen, aus dem Mitteldeutschen, Niederdeutschen, vgl. altsächsisch steppōn = (Vieh ) durch Einstiche kennzeichnen, ursprünglich = stechen mit eng aufeinanderfolgenden Stichen nähen Nähte, einen Saum steppen | eine gesteppte Jacke

Steppenbewohner

Step pen be woh ner Substantiv, maskulin , der |St e ppenbewohner |Bewohner der Steppe

Steppenbewohnerin

Step pen be woh ne rin Substantiv, feminin , die |St e ppenbewohnerin |weibliche Form zu Steppenbewohner

Steppenbrand

Step pen brand Substantiv, maskulin , der |St e ppenbrand |Brand der Steppe

Steppenflora

Step pen flo ra Substantiv, feminin , die |St e ppenflora |

Steppenfuchs

Step pen fuchs Substantiv, maskulin , der |St e ppenfuchs |(in den Steppen Zentralasiens heimischer ) kleinerer Fuchs mit im Sommer rötlichem, im Winter weißem Fell

Steppengras

Step pen gras Substantiv, Neutrum , das |St e ppengras |Gras der Steppe

Steppenhuhn

Step pen huhn Substantiv, Neutrum , das |St e ppenhuhn |in asiatischen Steppen lebendes, sandfarbenes Flughuhn mit schwarz gefiedertem Bauch

Steppenschwarzerde

Step pen schwarz er de Substantiv, feminin Geologie , die |St e ppenschwarzerde |schwarzbraune, humusreiche Erde der Grassteppe; Schwarzerde a

Steppenwolf

Step pen wolf Substantiv, maskulin , der |St e ppenwolf |Präriewolf figurativ als einsamer Steppenwolf streifte er durch das großstädtische Nachtleben

Steppenwölfin

Step pen wöl fin Substantiv, feminin , die |St e ppenwölfin |weibliche Form zu Steppenwolf

Stepper

Step per Substantiv, maskulin , der |St e pper ˈʃt … ˈst …|der Stepper; Genitiv: des Steppers, Plural: die Stepper zu steppen 1 Stepptänzer 2 Trainings-, Fitnessgerät besonders zum Herz-Kreislauf-Training

Stepperei

Step pe rei Substantiv, feminin , die |Stepper ei |zu steppen Verzierung mit Steppnähten ein Popelinmantel mit dezenter Stepperei

Stepperin

Step pe rin Substantiv, feminin , die |St e pperin |zu steppen Näherin von Steppdecken o. Ä.

Stepperin

Step pe rin Substantiv, feminin , die |St e pperin ˈʃt … ˈst …|zu steppen weibliche Form zu Stepper 1

Steppfutter

Stepp fut ter Substantiv, Neutrum , das |St e ppfutter |Futter [stoff ], auf dessen Innenseite eine Lage Watte, Vlies o. Ä. gesteppt ist

Steppjacke

Stepp ja cke Substantiv, feminin , die |St e ppjacke |mit Daunen oder synthetischem Material gefüllte Jacke, deren Oberfläche durch Steppnähte in [rautenförmige ] Felder gegliedert ist

Steppke

Stepp ke Substantiv, maskulin umgangssprachlich, besonders berlinisch , der |St e ppke |der Steppke; Genitiv: des Steppke [s ], Plural: die Steppkes niederdeutsch Verkleinerungsform von Stopfen a kleiner Junge, Knirps b kleines Kind

Steppmantel

Stepp man tel Substantiv, maskulin , der |St e ppmantel |mit Daunen oder synthetischem Material gefüllter Mantel, dessen Oberfläche durch Steppnähte in [rautenförmige ] Felder gegliedert ist

Steppmaschine

Stepp ma schi ne Substantiv, feminin , die |St e ppmaschine |Maschine zum Steppen

Steppnaht

Stepp naht Substantiv, feminin , die |St e ppnaht |[Zier ]naht aus Steppstichen

Steppschritt

Stepp schritt Substantiv, maskulin , der |St e ppschritt |zum Stepp 1 gehörender Tanzschritt

Steppseide

Stepp sei de Substantiv, feminin , die |St e ppseide |

Steppstich

Stepp stich Substantiv, maskulin , der |St e ppstich |gesteppter [Zier ]stich

Stepptanz

Stepp tanz Substantiv, maskulin , der |St e pptanz | Stepp 1

Stepptänzer

Stepp tän zer Substantiv, maskulin , der |St e pptänzer |Tänzer, der Stepp tanzt

Stepptänzerin

Stepp tän ze rin Substantiv, feminin , die |St e pptänzerin |weibliche Form zu Stepptänzer

French Dictionary

steppe

steppe n. f. nom féminin Vaste plaine à la végétation pauvre des régions semi-arides. Note Orthographique ste pp e.

Sanseido Dictionary

STEP

STEP ステップ〖 Society for Testing English Proficiency 〗日本英語検定協会。1963 年（昭和 38 ）設立。

STEP

STEP 〖 standard for the exchange of product model data 〗異なる CAD /CAM システム間のデータ交換の国際標準。1994 年より ISO 規格となる。

Sanseido Wisdom Dictionary

step

step /step / (!steppeと同音 ) 〖語源は「(しっかり )踏みつける」〗名詞複～s /-s /1 C 歩み , …歩 ; 歩幅 ▸ take [make, ╳have ] a step 一歩歩む (!takeが最も普通; しばしば後にback, backward (s ), closer, forward, toward Aなど方向を表す副詞を伴う ) ▸ retrace one's steps 来た道を後戻りする 2 C 【問題解決成功への】一歩 , 段階 , 手段 «towards, to » ▸ a first step towards peace 平和へ向けての第一歩 ▸ One step at a time .(励まして )一度に一歩だ, あせらずに ▸ take immediate [legal, preliminary ] steps ただちに [法的, 予備的 ]措置を講じる ▸ a step in the right direction 好スタート ▸ a step backward (s )悪影響をもたらすもの, 後退 ▸ a big [major ] step forward in A Aにおける大きな前進の一歩 3 〖～s 〗(木石などでできた通例屋外の )階段 (!屋内の階段はstairs; →stair 1 ) ; (玄関の )踏み段 (doorstep )▸ a flight of steps 一続きの階段 4 C 階級 , 職階 ▸ go steadily every step of the way 一歩一歩着実に昇進する ▸ a step up 昇格 5 C 歩調 ; (気分を反映する )足取り , 歩くしぐさ ; (ダンスの )ステップ ▸ with a spring in one's step 弾むような足取りで 6 C 足音 (footstep ).7 〖～s 〗脚立（きやたつ）(stepladder )▸ a pair of steps 脚立1組 8 U 踏み台昇降運動 ; C その踏み台 .9 C ｟米｠〘楽〙音程 (｟英｠tone ).be [k è ep ] in st é p 1 〈人考えが〉 «…と » 一致する , 【常識と】合う «with » .2 歩調を合わせて行進する .b è nd [dir è ct ] one's st é ps «…に向かって » 歩く «towards » .be [k è ep ] one [a ] st è p ah é ad of A 〈人などが〉 (準備知識などの点で )A 〈人物など〉より一歩進んで [先んじて ]いる .be [k è ep ] out of st é p 1 〈人考えが〉 «…と » 異なる «with » .2 歩調が乱れている .br è ak [k è ep ] st é p «…と » 足並みを乱す [そろえる ] «with » .f à ll into [in ] st é p ｟書｠1 «…のそばで /…と » 歩調を合わせて歩く «beside /with » .2 〈人 (の考え )などが〉【人事と】一致する ; 【事と】歩調を合わせる «with » .st é p by st é p 一歩ずつ, 着実に .tr è ad in A's st é ps A 〈人〉の後について行く, 先例にならう .w à tch [｟英｠m ì nd ] one's st é p 1 足もとに注意する (→careful 表現 ).2 ｟くだけて｠言葉 [ふるまい ]に注意する .動詞～s /-s /; ～ped /-t /; ～ping 自動詞〖～＋副詞〗1 一歩進む , 一歩分動く (forward, back, down )▸ step down from the stage ステージから降りる ▸ step aside 一歩わきによける 2 (短い距離を )歩く (inside, outside )▸ Step this way .こちらへどうぞ 3 «…に » 足を踏み入れる (｟英｠tread ) «in , on » .st è p as í de 1 ↑自動詞 1 .2 ＝step down (2 ).st è p b á ck 1 ↑自動詞 1 .2 (客観的に考えるために )距離を置く, 一歩引いてみる .st è p d ó wn 1 ↑自動詞 1 .2 【公職地位などを /人のために】引退する, 降りる «as , from /in favor of » ▸ step down as a Diet member 国会議員を辞職する ▸ step down in favor of a younger man 後進に道を譲る st è p f ó rward 1 援助を申し出る .2 ↑自動詞 1 .st è p í n (調停などのために )介入する, 援助を申し出る .st é p into A Aに入る ; A 〈もめごとなど〉に介入する ; A 〈財産など〉にありつく .st è p ó ff 1 歩き出す .2 (高い所などから )降りる .st é p on A A 〈物ペダルなど〉を踏む ▸ Somebody stepped on my foot on the train .電車の中で足を踏まれた ▸ step on the brakes ブレーキをかける st é p on it [｟米｠the g á s ]｟話｠アクセルを踏む, スピードを出す .st è p ó ut 1 【建物などを】出る , 【乗り物などから】降りる «of » ▸ step out of the house [car ]家を出る [車から降りる ]2 ｟主に米｠ちょっと外出する .3 ｟やや古｠早歩きをしだす, 小走りになる .st è p ú p 1 «…の上に » 上がる , 上る «on , onto » ▸ step up on [onto ] the platform 演壇に上る 2 前へ出る, (近くへ )やってくる ▸ step up next to Billy ビリーの隣へやってくる st è p A ú p [ú p A ]A 〈活動量程度〉を増大させる, A 〈作業〉を急ぐ .～́ à erobics 踏み台の上り下りをするエアロビクス .

step-

step- /step /複合要素腹違いの , 継（まま）.

stepbrother

st é p br ò ther 名詞 C まま兄弟〘親の再婚による義理の兄弟〙.

step-by-step

st è p-by-st é p 形容詞段階的な, 漸次的な .

stepchild

st é p ch ì ld 名詞複 -children C まま子 .

stepdaughter

st é p d à ughter 名詞 C まま娘 .

stepfather

st é p f à ther 名詞 C まま父, 継父 .

Stepford

Step ford /stépfɔ̀ː r d /〖映画 Stepford Wives より〗形容詞｟けなして｠〖通例名詞の前で〗従順な, 自分の意見を持たない〈妻支持者など〉.

Stephen

Ste phen /stíːv (ə )n / (!-ph-は /v /) 名詞 1 スティーヴン〘男の名; ｟愛称｠Steve 〙.2 スティーヴン〘William ～, 1097?--1154; 征服王の孫; イングランド王 (1135 --54 )〙.3 聖ステパノス〘Saint ～; 最初のキリスト教殉教者〙.

Stephenson

Ste phen son /stíːv (ə )ns (ə )n /名詞スティーヴンソン〘George ～, 1781 --1848; 世界最初の蒸気機関車を完成した英国人技術者 (1825 )〙.

stepladder

st é p l à dder 名詞 C 脚立（きやたつ）, (四脚の )段ばしご .

stepmother

st é p m ò th er 名詞 C まま母, 継母 .

stepparent

st é p p à rent 名詞 C まま親 .

steppe

steppe /step / (!stepと同音 ) 名詞 C 〖通例 the ～s 〗ステップ (平原 ) 〘主にシベリア地方の無樹の大草原〙.

stepped-up

st è pped- ú p /-pt- /形容詞増大した ; 速くなった .

stepping-stone

st é pping-st ò ne 名詞 C 1 【昇進出世などへの】踏み台 ; 手段, 方法 «to » .2 踏み石, 飛び石 .

stepsister

st é p s ì ster 名詞 C まま姉妹〘親の再婚による義理の姉妹〙.

stepson

st é p s ò n 名詞 C まま息子 .

stepstool

st é p st ò ol 名詞 C ステップスツール〘脚立（きやたつ）式のスツール〙.