Pronunciation: /stɛp bæk/

Definitions of step back

noun a movement made by moving one foot to a different position

Example Sentences

A1 When you feel overwhelmed, sometimes it's good to take a step back and relax.

A2 I took a step back and realized I needed to make some changes in my life.

B1 It's important to occasionally take a step back and evaluate your progress.

B2 In order to see the bigger picture, sometimes you need to take a step back.

C1 Taking a step back allowed me to reevaluate my priorities and make better decisions.

C2 The CEO decided to take a step back from day-to-day operations and focus on long-term strategy.

verb to move back or away from something

Example Sentences

A1 Please step back from the edge of the platform.

A2 I stepped back to let the other passengers off the bus first.

B1 When things get overwhelming, it's important to step back and take a break.

B2 In order to see the bigger picture, sometimes you need to step back and reassess the situation.

C1 As a manager, it's crucial to be able to step back and delegate tasks effectively.

C2 After years of working in the same job, she decided to step back and pursue a new career path.

adverb in a manner indicating a backward or retreat movement

Example Sentences

A1 When you feel overwhelmed, it's important to take a step back and breathe.

A2 Before making a decision, it's always a good idea to step back and consider all your options.

B1 In order to see the bigger picture, sometimes you need to step back and analyze the situation.

B2 When facing a difficult problem, it's helpful to step back and approach it from a different angle.

C1 Experienced leaders know when to step back and delegate tasks to their team.

C2 In order to gain perspective, it's necessary to step back and reflect on your actions.

Examples of step back in a Sentence

formal It is advisable to take a step back and evaluate the situation before making any decisions.

informal Hey, maybe you should just step back and think about it for a minute.

slang Dude, you need to chill out and just step back, okay?

figurative Sometimes it's necessary to step back in order to see the bigger picture.

Grammatical Forms of step back

past tense

stepped back

plural

step back

comparative

more stepped back

superlative

most stepped back

present tense

step back

future tense

will step back

perfect tense

have stepped back

continuous tense

is stepping back

singular

steps back

positive degree

step back

infinitive

to step back

gerund

stepping back

participle

stepped back

Origin and Evolution of step back

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English and Middle English
Story behind the word: The phrase 'step back' originated from Old English and Middle English.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in a literal sense to mean physically moving backwards, the phrase 'step back' has evolved to also convey the idea of taking a break, reassessing a situation, or gaining perspective before proceeding.