Cases of word usage

1) (a sound of) a step of a person walking (footstep)

2) changing step by step (gradually)

3) the first or introductory step or move (initiative)

4) (the distance covered by) a single step when walking or running (pace)

5) to walk slowly with a heavy step (plod)

6) a short piece forming a step in a ladder; a particular level in society, one's employment etc (rung)

7) (in a theatre) the raised structure on which the actors appear; a point, period or step in development; a journey, distance, between two stopping-places along a road or route (stage)

8) (a distance covered in) one long step (stride)

9) a way, sound, of walking; a part of a step or stair on which the foot is placed; the grooved part of a tyre which touches the ground (tread)