Footstep

A footstep is the sound made by a person or animal walking or running. More broadly, it can refer to the act of taking a step or the position of a foot when walking or running. It can also signify progress or a stage in a process, often used metaphorically to describe a guide or example. Furthermore, a footstep can represent a trace, sign, or impact of someone's presence or action. The quality of a footstep can also reflect the intentions behind it, like a hurried footstep suggesting panic, while a soft footstep implies stealth.

Footstep meaning with examples

• The detective followed the muddy footsteps leading away from the crime scene, hoping they would lead him to the culprit. The distinct thud of the suspect's footsteps on the pavement echoed in the quiet night, and he knew he was getting closer to the chase. Each hurried footstep felt like a warning, the man knew it, and was ready to follow to catch him.
• As the first hikers navigated the steep terrain, they were careful to tread in the footsteps of those who went before them, minimizing their impact on the fragile alpine ecosystem. She was careful to place her footsteps carefully, not wanting to create unnecessary noise, as she slowly progressed through the dense forest, trying not to get lost.
• The teacher encouraged her students to follow in the footsteps of great historical figures by studying their work and striving to emulate their achievements. The artist used these footsteps of the masters for inspiration to create her next art project. The young man was determined to follow the footsteps of his idol.
• The old house, filled with memories, still seemed to echo with the footsteps of the generations who had lived there before. It felt as if every step had been a new discovery. The quiet of the night was broken by the rhythmic footsteps, which revealed that a shadow was nearby, and this signaled that his plan may just work.