step-by-step
|step/by/step|
/ˈstɛp baɪ ˈstɛp/
gradual progression
Etymology
'step-by-step' originates from the combination of the words 'step' and 'by,' where 'step' refers to a single movement or stage in a process, and 'by' indicates the manner in which the steps are taken.
The phrase 'step-by-step' evolved from the literal meaning of taking steps one at a time to describe any process that progresses gradually.
Initially, it referred to the literal act of taking steps, but over time it evolved to describe any process that progresses in stages.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
describing a process that is done in a series of distinct stages or steps.
The manual provides a step-by-step guide to assembling the furniture.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45