Steped vs. Stepped — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 24, 2024
"Steped" is an incorrect spelling. The right spelling is "Stepped," which means having taken a step, usually referring to a past action of walking or moving.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Steped or Stepped
How to spell Stepped?
Steped
Incorrect Spelling
Stepped
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Recall the general rule: when a one-syllable verb ends with a single consonant preceded by a single vowel, double the consonant before adding "-ed."
Think of stepping stones, which come in pairs, much like the double "p."
Associate "stepped" with "stepping" and notice the double "p."
Remember that "step" plus "ped" equals "stepped."
When in doubt, use spell check – it will highlight "steped" as incorrect.
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How Do You Spell Stepped Correctly?
Incorrect: We steped over the puddle to avoid getting wet.
Correct: We stepped over the puddle to avoid getting wet.
Incorrect: They steped into the room, looking around curiously.
Correct: They stepped into the room, looking around curiously.
Incorrect: He steped back to admire his work.
Correct: He stepped back to admire his work.
Incorrect: She steped quietly across the wooden floor.
Correct: She stepped quietly across the wooden floor.
Incorrect: I accidentally steped on her foot.
Correct: I accidentally stepped on her foot.
Stepped Definitions
To have placed one's foot or feet in a new position.
She carefully stepped over the puddle.
To have moved or proceeded with steps.
They stepped gracefully around the dance floor.
To have intervened in a situation.
When the argument escalated, the teacher stepped in.
Having or formed into a step or series of steps
A building with stepped access
Carried out or occurring in stages or with pauses rather than continuously
A stepped scale of discounts
The single complete movement of raising one foot and putting it down in another spot, as in walking.
A manner of walking; a particular gait.
A fixed rhythm or pace, as in marching
Keep step.
The sound of a footstep.
A footprint
Steps in the mud.
The distance traversed by moving one foot ahead of the other.
A very short distance
Just a step away.
Steps Course; path
Turned her steps toward home.
One of a series of rhythmical, patterned movements of the feet used in a dance
Diagrammed the basic steps to the mambo.
A rest for the foot in ascending or descending.
Steps Stairs.
Something, such as a ledge or an offset, that resembles a step of a stairway.
A low platform used for exercise, as in step aerobics.
One of a series of actions, processes, or measures taken to achieve a goal.
A stage in a process
Followed every step in the instructions.
A degree in progress or a grade or rank in a scale
A step up in the corporate hierarchy.
The interval that separates two successive tones of a scale, especially a major second, as between C and D in the scale of C major.
A degree of a scale.
(Nautical) The block in which the heel of a mast is fixed.
To put or press the foot
Step on the brake.
To shift or move slightly by taking a step or two
Step back.
To walk a short distance to a specified place or in a specified direction
Step over to the corner.
To move with the feet in a particular manner
Step lively.
To move into a new situation by or as if by taking a single step
Stepping into a life of ease.
To treat someone with arrogant indifference
He is always stepping on other people.
To put or set (the foot) down
Step foot on land.
To measure by pacing
Step off ten yards.
To furnish with steps; make steps in
Terraces that are stepped along the hillside.
(Computers) To cause (a computer) to execute a single instruction.
(Nautical) To place (a mast) in its step.
Simple past tense and past participle of step
Provided with a step or steps; having a series of offsets or parts resembling the steps of stairs.
A stepped key
A stepped gear
Provided with a step or steps; having a series of offsets or parts resembling the steps of stairs; as, a stepped key.
Past tense of the verb "step," meaning to have moved by lifting the foot and setting it down.
He stepped onto the platform.
Having levels or tiers, often used to describe architecture or design.
The garden had a stepped design, each level showcasing different flowers.
Stepped Meaning in a Sentence
They stepped through the doorway into the unknown.
She stepped over the threshold of the old house.
The cat stepped lightly across the keyboard.
She stepped closer to get a better view.
They stepped onto the stage with confidence.
He stepped carefully on the icy sidewalk.
He stepped aside to let her pass.
They stepped onto the boat carefully.
The dancer stepped gracefully across the floor.
He stepped onto the escalator going down.
The explorer stepped into the dense forest.
She stepped out of the house into the bright sunlight.
He stepped onto the podium to give his speech.
The child stepped into the puddle with a splash.
She stepped under the shade to escape the heat.
The dog stepped onto the soft grass with pleasure.
The artist stepped back to examine his painting.
They stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor.
He stepped into his shoes and tied them.
She stepped onto the freshly fallen snow, leaving footprints.
He stepped out into the garden to enjoy the flowers.
The musician stepped onto the stage and the crowd cheered.
She stepped onto the scale to check her weight.
The teacher stepped in front of the class to begin the lesson.
She stepped onto the train just as the doors were closing.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called Stepped?
It's called "Stepped" as it's the past tense of the verb "step."
What is the plural form of Stepped?
Not applicable, as "stepped" is a verb form, not a noun.
Which preposition is used with Stepped?
Various prepositions can be used, such as "into," "onto," "out of," etc.
Which conjunction is used with Stepped?
Any conjunction can be used, such as "and" or "but."
Which vowel is used before Stepped?
The vowel "e."
What is the pronunciation of Stepped?
/stɛpt/.
What is the root word of Stepped?
The root word is "step."
Is Stepped a negative or positive word?
Neutral.
What is the verb form of Stepped?
"Stepped" is the past tense; the base form is "step."
Is Stepped an abstract noun?
No.
Is Stepped a noun or adjective?
"Stepped" is primarily a verb but can be an adjective in certain contexts (e.g., stepped design).
Is the Stepped term a metaphor?
No, but it can be used metaphorically.
Is Stepped a countable noun?
"Stepped" is not typically a noun.
Is the word Stepped a gerund?
No, the gerund form is "stepping."
Is the word “Stepped” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Stepped" is a verb and doesn't typically serve as an object.
How many syllables are in Stepped?
One.
What is a stressed syllable in Stepped?
The entire word, as it's a one-syllable word.
What is the singular form of Stepped?
"Stepped."
Is Stepped an adverb?
No.
Which determiner is used with Stepped?
Determiners like "the," "this," or "that" can be used depending on context.
What is the first form of Stepped?
Step.
Which article is used with Stepped?
"The" or "a" can be used, depending on context.
Is the word Stepped imperative?
No.
How do we divide Stepped into syllables?
Stepped is one syllable and isn't divided.
What part of speech is Stepped?
Verb (past tense).
What is the third form of Stepped?
Stepped.
What is another term for Stepped?
Tread or walked.
What is the opposite of Stepped?
Remained or stood still.
Is Stepped a vowel or consonant?
"Stepped" is a word, not a single letter.
Is Stepped a collective noun?
No.
What is the second form of Stepped?
Stepped.
How is Stepped used in a sentence?
"He stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him."
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.