step backward
stɛp ˈbækwərd
stepped backwardstepping backward
step backward: movement of one foot behind the other
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Definition Synonyms Conjugation

Definition of step backward - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
physical movementmovement of one foot behind the other
  • He took a step backward to avoid the puddle.
2.
progressUSaction that makes progress worse or slowerUS
  • The new rule is a step backward for the team.
regression setback

Verbal expression

1.
physical movementmove one step in the direction behind you
  • Please step backward so I can pass.
back up move back step back
2.
progress or changemake less progress or return to an earlier state
  • The new rule made us step backward in our work.
backslide regress relapse
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Images of step backward

  • step backward: movement of one foot behind the other
    movement of one foot behind the other

Expressions with step backward

💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
take a step backwardv.
move one step in reverse direction
He took a step backward to avoid the puddle.

Expressions with step

step onv.
press down with the foot
He had to step on the pedal harder to stop the car..
baby stepn.
very small progress or movement towards a goal
He took baby steps in learning to read.
in stepadv.
moving in perfect rhythm with others
The soldiers marched in step with the music.
step betweenv.
move into a space between two things
He stepped between the parked cars to cross the street.
step on someone's feetv.
press your foot down on another person's foot
Be careful not to step on your partner's feet while dancing.
watch one's stepv.
move carefully to avoid obstacles
Watch your step on the icy sidewalk.

Expressions with backward

take a step backwardv.
move one step in reverse direction
He took a step backward to avoid the puddle.
bend over backwardv.
make a great effort to help or please someone
She will bend over backward to make her guests feel comfortable.
one step forward, two steps backwardexp.
making progress but facing more setbacks
Every time we solve a problem, another arises, it's one step forward, two steps backward.
backward and forwardadv.
moving in two opposite directions repeatedly
The pendulum swings backward and forward.
bend backwardv.
move the upper body backward from the waist
She can bend backward easily during her yoga class.
fall backwardv.
move or drop in reverse direction
He lost his balance and began to fall backward.
go backwardv.
move in the direction behind
She had to go backward to avoid the obstacle.
look backwardv.
turn head to see behind
She looked backward to check for traffic.
work backwardv.
plan or solve by starting from the end result
We work backward to figure out the steps needed.
backward glancen.
quick look over the shoulder to see behind
She gave a backward glance before leaving the room.

Terms related to step backward

💡 Terms in the same lexical field: analogies, antonyms, common collocates, words with same roots, hypernyms…
steppersteppingstepwisebacktrackfallbackrecederecoilregressretractretreatwithdrawaldecline

Terms with step backward included in their meaning

💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
back-stepn.
dance
step taken backward in dance or movement
back-stepv.
movement
move one step backward with your foot

Examples of step backward in a sentence

  • A sudden step backward saved him from the falling box.
  • This policy is a step backward for education.
  • Many saw the decision as a step backward in equality.
  • She had to step backward to avoid the puddle.
  • He asked the crowd to step backward for safety reasons.
  • Cutting the budget is a step backward for education.

View all translations of step backward

✨Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:recul, reculer, ...
  2. German:Schritt zurück, zurücktreten, ...
  3. Italian:passo indietro, indietreggiare, ...
  4. Spanish:retroceso, retroceder, ...
  5. Portuguese:passo atrás, dar um passo atrás, ...
  6. Chinese:后退一步, 往后退, ...
  7. Japanese:一歩後ろに下がること, 一歩下がる, ...
  8. Arabic:خطوة إلى الوراء, تَراجَعَ, ...
  9. Hebrew:צַעַד לְאָחוֹר, לִצְעוֹד צַעַד לְאָחוֹר, ...
  10. Russian:шаг назад, отступить назад, ...
  11. Ukrainian:крок назад, відступити, ...
  12. Hindi:पीछे की ओर कदम, पीछे हटना, ...

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