'stepwise' originates from the combination of 'step' and the suffix '-wise', where 'step' meant 'a movement made by lifting the foot and setting it down again' and '-wise' meant 'in the manner of'.

'stepwise' evolved from the Old English word 'stæpe' meaning 'step' and the suffix '-wise' from Old English '-wisan', eventually becoming the modern English word 'stepwise'.

Initially, it meant 'in the manner of steps', and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'proceeding in stages'.