In the Russian language there are many words that are endowed with two or even more lexical meanings. They are used in a variety of situations, can have both direct and figurative meaning. In this article, we will talk about just one such ambiguous concept - the word "step". We will indicate all its interpretations, as well as give examples of suggestions so that the knowledge gained can be effectively acquired.
Foot movement
This is called the movement of the legs of a person or animal, which allows you to move from one place to another. This is a mechanical movement that makes it possible to move in space.
- "The man took a step to the side to clear our way."
- "One cannot step on the step; things are scattered everywhere; clean the house immediately!"
Sounds caused by foot movements
It is worth noting that in this meaning the word "step" is used only in the form of the plural - steps.
Examples of phrases: quiet steps, heavy steps, careful steps, fearful steps, small steps, smooth steps, rapid steps.
Now make the sentences.
- "Suddenly, in the darkness, someone's jerky steps were heard."
- "The shuffling steps belonged to an elderly bread merchant."
Walking way or pace
It is used only in the singular form. Indicates a walking mode of travel without using any means of transport.
- "The column slowed down."
- "We moved in a sporting step to be on time for the meeting."
Act or action
What is meant here is any action that a person can take: a serious step, a rash step, an adventurous step, a destructive step, a desperate step, a bold step.
- "Going into the jungle alone is a bold but stupid move."
- "I do not understand why you decided on such an imprudent step."
Stage in the development of something
Indicates the progressive development in any area. In this sense, “step” is a noun that carries only a positive context. It indicates positive changes that are occurring in various areas of life.
- "The development of transplantology is a colossal step forward for all medicine."
- "It was a huge step forward for the development of the economy."
Length measure
And more precisely, the distance between the feet. So before measured the distance between objects.
- "We measured five meters in steps."
- “There are literally two steps from the department store to the railway.”
Two steps are phraseologism, which indicates a meager distance.
But this phrase can be used in the literal sense: my two steps are about one meter.
The distance between repeating elements of the same type
Imagine a series of identical columns. The distance between the two columns is called the pitch.
- "You need to calculate the pitch of the gear."
- "The designer needs to know the thread pitch."
Several phraseological units
It is worth noting that the "step" is a concept that is often referred to in phrases that are considered phraseological units.
- With each step - go deeper into something or get closer: "With each step it became worse and worse."
- Everywhere - everywhere, often: "Surprisingly, you could notice pretty cafes and restaurants at every step."
- Not a step back - a call not to retreat: "Comrades, not a step back, we must make a decisive breakthrough."
- Take the first steps - that’s the beginning of an activity: “I’m taking my first steps in science.”
- A step for the sake of someone or something is not a characteristic of a person who does not want to do anything: "Yes, he will not take a step for you, but you so praise him!"
- They do not give a step to step - they do not allow you to act, work: "Yes, they do not give me a step to step on their own, they constantly climb with advice!"
- To take steps somewhere - to move or go in a certain direction: "We have directed our steps to the forest."
- Step by step - at a slow pace, gradually. "The detective was approaching the mystery step by step."
Conclusion
Now you know what the noun has a "step" of meaning. The represented speech unit has many interpretations.
You can apply them in a variety of contexts. The main thing is to ensure that the noun "step" harmoniously fits into the sentence.
It should also be noted that phraseological units are unacceptable for a scientific or business style. You cannot use phrases like "step by step" (that is, slowly) in scientific treatises or official documents.