Skip to main content

stepped — past tense and past participle of 'step'; to move by lifting one foot and putting it down in a different place

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: past tense and past participle of 'step'; to move by lifting one foot and putting it down in a different place

Pronunciation (IPA): /stɛpt/

Example Sentences

  • I accidentally stepped on my cat's tail and he gave me a death glare for an hour.
  • The manager stepped down after the scandal broke.
  • She stepped forward confidently to accept her award, then tripped on the microphone cord.

stepped

VERB

[/stɛpt/]

past tense and past participle of 'step'; to move by lifting one foot and putting it down in a different place

She stepped carefully over the puddle to avoid soaking her new shoes.
💡 Concept

She stepped carefully over the puddle to avoid soaking her new shoes.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/stɛpt/
🇬🇧 UK/stɛpt/

🌳Etymology

Rootstep
Suffix--ed

Origin

The word 'step' derives from Old English 'steppan', which traces back to Proto-Germanic roots meaning 'to tread' or 'to press with the foot'. This fundamental verb has remained remarkably stable in form throughout English history, reflecting its ancient Germanic origins.

Breakdown

step (to tread, to press with the foot) + -ed (past tense suffix), forming the regular past tense of the verb 'step'.

🎵Rhyme

kept
wept
swept
slept

🔗Collocations

stepped forward
stepped back
stepped in
stepped up
stepped on
stepped outside
stepped down

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“I accidentally stepped on my cat's tail and he gave me a death glare for an hour.”

“The manager stepped down after the scandal broke.”

😄 Fun example

“She stepped forward confidently to accept her award, then tripped on the microphone cord.”

“My dad stepped up and coached the team when our coach got sick.”

😄 Fun example

“He stepped into the elevator, still wearing his pajamas, and realized everyone was staring.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.