step (st?p)n.1. a. The single complete movement of raising one foot and putting it down in another spot, as in walking.b. A manner of walking; a particular gait.c. A fixed rhythm or pace, as in marching: keep step.d. The sound of a footstep.e. A footprint: steps in the mud.2. a. The distance traversed by moving one foot ahead of the other.b. A very short distance: just a step away.c. steps Course; path: turned her steps toward home.3. One of a series of rhythmical, patterned movements of the feet used in a dance: diagrammed the basic steps to the mambo.4. a. A rest for the foot in ascending or descending.b. steps Stairs.c. Something, such as a ledge or an offset, that resembles a step of a stairway.d. A low platform used for exercise, as in step aerobics.5. a. One of a series of actions, processes, or measures taken to achieve a goal.b. A stage in a process: followed every step in the instructions.6. A degree in progress or a grade or rank in a scale: a step up in the corporate hierarchy.7. Music a. The interval that separates two successive tones of a scale.b. A degree of a scale.8. Nautical The block in which the heel of a mast is fixed.v. stepped, step·ping, steps v.intr.1. To put or press the foot: step on the brake.2. To shift or move slightly by taking a step or two: step back.3. To walk a short distance to a specified place or in a specified direction: step over to the corner.4. To move with the feet in a particular manner: step lively.5. To move into a new situation by or as if by taking a single step: stepping into a life of ease.6. To treat someone with arrogant indifference: He is always stepping on other people.v.tr.1. To put or set (the foot) down: step foot on land.2. To measure by pacing: step off ten yards.3. To furnish with steps; make steps in: terraces that are stepped along the hillside.4. Computers To cause (a computer) to execute a single instruction.5. Nautical To place (a mast) in its step.Phrasal Verbs: step aside To resign from a post, especially when being replaced. step down1. To resign from a high post.2. To reduce, especially in stages: stepping down the electric power. step in1. To enter into an activity or a situation.2. To intervene. step out1. To walk briskly.2. To go outside for a short time.3. Informal To go out for a special evening of entertainment.4. To withdraw; quit. step up1. To increase, especially in stages: step up production.2. To come forward: step up and be counted.3. To improve one’s performance or take on more responsibility, especially at a crucial time.Idioms: in step1. Moving in rhythm.2. In conformity with one’s environment: in step with the times. out of step1. Not moving in rhythm: recruits marching out of step.2. Not in conformity with one’s environment: out of step with the times. step by step By degrees. step on it Informal To go faster; hurry.[Middle English, from Old English stæpe, stepe.]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.step (st?p) n1. (Physiology) the act of motion brought about by raising the foot and setting it down again in coordination with the transference of the weight of the body2. the distance or space covered by such a motion3. the sound made by such a movement4. the impression made by such movement of the foot; footprint5. the manner of walking or moving the feet; gait: he received his prize with a proud step. 6. (Dancing) a sequence of foot movements that make up a particular dance or part of a dance: I have mastered the steps of the waltz. 7. (Dancing) any of several paces or rhythmic movements in marching, dancing, etc: the goose step. 8. (plural) a course followed by a person in walking or as walking: they followed in their leader’s steps. 9. one of a sequence of separate consecutive stages in the progression towards some goal: another step towards socialism. 10. a rank or grade in a series or scale: he was always a step behind. 11. an object or device that offers support for the foot when ascending or descending12. (Architecture) (plural) a flight of stairs, esp out of doors13. (Building) (plural) another name for stepladder14. a very short easily walked distance: it is only a step to my place. 15. (Music, other) music a melodic interval of a second. See whole tone, half-step16. an offset or change in the level of a surface similar to the step of a stair17. (Nautical Terms) a strong block or frame bolted onto the keel of a vessel and fitted to receive the base of a mast18. (Mining & Quarrying) a ledge cut in mining or quarrying excavations19. break step to cease to march in step20. in step a. marching, dancing, etc, in conformity with a specified pace or moving in unison with othersb. informal in agreement or harmony21. (Dancing) marching, dancing, etc, in conformity with a specified pace or moving in unison with others22. (Military) marching, dancing, etc, in conformity with a specified pace or moving in unison with others23. informal in agreement or harmony24. keep step to remain walking, marching, dancing, etc, in unison or in a specified rhythm25. out of step a. not moving in conformity with a specified pace or in accordance with othersb. informal not in agreement; out of harmony26. (Dancing) not moving in conformity with a specified pace or in accordance with others27. (Military) not moving in conformity with a specified pace or in accordance with others28. not moving in conformity with a specified pace or in accordance with others29. step by step with care and deliberation; gradually30. take steps to undertake measures (to do something) with a view to the attainment of some end31. watch one’s step a. informal to conduct oneself with caution and good behaviourb. to walk or move carefullyvb, steps, stepping or stepped32. (Physiology) (intr) to move by raising the foot and then setting it down in a different position, transferring the weight of the body to this foot and repeating the process with the other foot33. (intr; often foll by in, out, etc) to move or go on foot, esp for a short distance: step this way, ladies. 34. (intr) informal chiefly US to move, often in an attractive graceful manner, as in dancing: he can really step around. 35. (intr; usually foll by on or upon) to place or press the foot; tread: to step on the accelerator. 36. (usually foll by: into) to enter (into a situation) apparently with ease: she stepped into a life of luxury. 37. (tr) to walk or take (a number of paces, etc): to step ten paces. 38. (Dancing) (tr) to perform the steps of: they step the tango well. 39. (tr) to set or place (the foot)40. (tr; usually foll by off or out) to measure (some distance of ground) by stepping41. (tr) to arrange in or supply with a series of steps so as to avoid coincidence or symmetry42. (Nautical Terms) (tr) to raise (a mast) and fit it into its step[Old English stepe, stæpe; related to Old Frisian stap, stepe, Old High German stapfo (German Stapfe footprint), Old Norse stapi high rock] ?step?like adjStep (st?p) n (Individual Sports, other than specified) a. a set of aerobic exercises designed to improve the cardiovascular system, which consists of stepping on and off a special box of adjustable heightb. (as modifier): Step aerobics. STEP (st?p) n acronym for (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) Special Temporary Employment ProgrammeCollins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014step (st?p) n., v. stepped, step?ping. n. 1. a movement made by lifting the foot and setting it down again in a new position, accompanied by a shifting of the body in the direction of the new position, as in walking or dancing. 2. such a movement followed by a movement of equal distance of the other foot. 3. the space passed over or the distance measured by one such movement of the foot. 4. the sound made by the foot in making such a movement. 5. a mark or impression made by the foot on the ground; footprint. 6. the manner of stepping; gait; stride. 7. pace or rhythm in marching: double-quick step. 8. a pace or rhythm uniform with that of another or others, or in time with music. 9. steps, movements or course in stepping or walking: to retrace one’s steps. 10. any of a series of successive stages in a process or the attainment of an end: the five steps to success. 11. rank, degree, or grade, as on a vertical scale. 12. a support for the foot in ascending or descending: the steps of a ladder. 13. a very short distance. 14. a repeated pattern or unit of movement in a dance formed by a combination of foot and body motions. 15. Music. a. a degree of the staff or of the scale. b. the interval between two adjacent scale degrees; second. 16. a socket, frame, or platform for supporting the lower end of a mast. v.i. 17. to move in steps. 18. to walk, esp. for a few strides or a short distance: Step over to the counter. 19. to move with measured steps, as in a dance. 20. to go briskly or fast, as a horse. 21. to come easily and naturally, as if by a step of the foot: to step into a fortune. 22. to put the foot down; tread: Don’t step on the grass. 23. to press with the foot, as on a lever or spring, in order to operate some mechanism. v.t. 24. to take (a step, pace, stride, etc.). 25. to go through or perform the steps of (a dance). 26. to move or set (the foot) in taking a step. 27. to measure (a distance, ground, etc.) by steps (sometimes fol. by off or out). 28. to make or arrange in the manner of a series of steps. 29. to fix (a mast) in its step. 30. step down, a. to lower or decrease by degrees. b. to relinquish one’s authority or control; resign. 31. step in, to become involved; intervene. 32. step out, a. to leave a place, esp. for a short time. b. to walk or march at a more rapid pace. c. to go out socially. 33. step up, a. to raise or increase by degrees. b. to be promoted; advance. c. to make progress; improve. Idioms: 1. break step, to cease or interrupt marching in step. 2. in (or out of) step, a. in (or not in) time to a rhythm or beat, as while marching in unison. b. in (or not in) harmony or agreement with others. 3. keep step, to stay in step; keep pace. 4. step by step, gradually; by stages. 5. step on it or on the gas, Informal. to move more quickly; hurry. 6. take steps, to employ necessary procedures. [before 900; (v.) Old English steppan, c. Old High German stepfen; (n.) Middle English; Old English stepe] step- a prefix used in kinship terms denoting members of a family related by the remarriage of a parent and not by blood: stepbrother. [Old English st?op-, c. Old High German stiof-, Old Norse stj?p-] Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.step – stairs1. ‘step’A step is a raised flat surface which you put your feet on to move to a different level.A series of steps, for example on a steep slope or on the outside of a building, is called a flight of steps.A series of steps inside a building which you use to get from one floor to another is called stairs or a staircase.
watch (one’s) step
watch (w?ch)v. watched, watch·ing, watch·es v.intr.1. To look or observe attentively or carefully; be closely observant: watching for trail markers.2. To look and wait expectantly or in anticipation: watch for an opportunity.3. To act as a spectator; look on: stood by the road and watched.4. To stay awake at night while serving as a guard, sentinel, or watcher.5. To stay alert as a devotional or religious exercise; keep vigil.v.tr.1. To look at steadily; observe carefully or continuously: watch a parade.2. To guard, keep surveillance on, or spy on: watched the prisoner all day; watched the house to see who came and went.3. To observe the course of mentally; keep up on or informed about: watch the price of gold.4. To pay close attention to or be careful about, especially with regard to propriety: watched his manners.5. To tend or take care of (children or a flock of sheep, for example). See Synonyms at tend2.n.1. The act or process of keeping awake or mentally alert, especially for the purpose of guarding.2. a. The act of observing closely or the condition of being closely observed; surveillance.b. A period of close observation, often in order to discover something: a watch during the child’s illness.3. A person or group of people serving, especially at night, to guard or protect.4. The post or period of duty of a guard, sentinel, or watcher.5. Any of the periods into which the night is divided; a part of the night.6. Nautical a. Any of the periods of time, usually four hours, into which the day aboard ship is divided and during which a part of the crew is assigned to duty.b. The members of a ship’s crew on duty during a specific watch.c. A chronometer on a ship.7. a. A period of wakefulness, especially one observed as a religious vigil.b. A funeral wake.8. A small portable timepiece, especially one worn on the wrist or carried in the pocket.9. A flock of nightingales.Phrasal Verbs: watch out To be careful or on the alert; take care. watch over To be in charge of; superintend.Idioms: watch it To be careful: had to watch it when I stepped onto the ice. watch (one’s) step1. To act or proceed with care and caution.2. To behave as is demanded, required, or appropriate.[Middle English wacchen, from Old English wæccan, to watch, be awake; see weg- in Indo-European roots.]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.watch (w?t?) vb1. to look at or observe closely or attentively2. (foll by: for) to wait attentively or expectantly3. to guard or tend (something) closely or carefully4. (intr) to keep vigil5. (tr) to maintain an interest in: to watch the progress of a child at school. 6. watch it! be careful! look out!n7. (Horology) a. a small portable timepiece, usually worn strapped to the wrist (a wristwatch) or in a waistcoat pocketb. (as modifier): a watch spring. 8. the act or an instance of watching9. a period of vigil, esp during the night10. (formerly) one of a set of periods of any of various lengths into which the night was divided11. (Nautical Terms) nautical a. any of the usually four-hour periods beginning at midnight and again at noon during which part of a ship’s crew are on dutyb. those officers and crew on duty during a specified watch12. (Military) the period during which a guard is on duty13. (formerly) a watchman or band of watchmen14. on the watch on the lookout; alert[Old English wæccan (vb), wæcce (n); related to wake1]Collins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014watch (w?t?) v.i. 1. to look attentively, as to see what is done or happens; observe. 2. to wait attentively and expectantly (usu. fol. by for): to watch for a signal. 3. to be careful or cautious: Watch when you cross the street. 4. to keep awake, esp. for a purpose; remain vigilant. 5. to keep vigil, as for devotional purposes. 6. to keep guard: to watch at the door. v.t. 7. to view attentively or with interest: to watch a football game. 8. to contemplate or regard mentally: to watch a student’s progress. 9. to wait attentively and expectantly for: to watch one’s opportunity. 10. to guard or tend: to watch the baby. 11. watch out, to be cautious. 12. watch over, to safeguard; protect. n. 13. close, continuous observation for the purpose of seeing or discovering something. 14. vigilant guard, as for protection or restraint: to keep watch for prowlers. 15. a keeping awake for some special purpose: a watch beside a sickbed. 16. a small, portable timepiece, as a wristwatch or pocket watch. 17. a chronometer. 18. a. a period of time, usu. four hours, during which one part of a ship’s crew is on duty, taking turns with another part. b. the officers and crew who attend to the working of a ship for an allotted period of time. 19. one of the periods, usu. three or four, into which the night was divided in ancient times, as by the Greeks or Hebrews: the fourth watch of the night. 20. a lookout, guard, or sentinel: A watch was posted at sunset. Idioms: 1. on the watch, vigilant; alert: a hunter on the watch for game. 2. watch oneself, to practice caution, discretion, or self-restraint. [before 900; Middle English wacchen, Old English wæccan, doublet of wacian to be awake (see wake1)] Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.Watch a body of watchmen or guards, 1532; a flock of birds, 1847.Example: watch of nightingales, 1452.Dictionary of Collective Nouns and Group Terms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.see – look at – watch1. ‘see’When you see something, you are aware of it through your eyes, or you notice it.When you look at something, you direct your eyes towards it.When you watch something, you pay attention to it using your eyes, because you are interested in what it is doing, or in what may happen.Both see and watch are used when you are talking about entertainment or sport.When you go to the theatre or cinema, you say that you see a play or film.Don’t say that someone ‘looks at’ a play or film. Don’t say, for example ‘I looked at that movie’.You say that someone watches television. You can say that someone watches or sees a particular programme.Similarly, you say that someone watches a sport such as football, but you can say that they watch or see a particular match.