footstep

Everyday

1. A footstep is one step that someone takes when walking. tree →
2. A footstep is the sound of a step. tree →
3. «Follow in someone's footsteps» means do the same thing they did, such as the same job. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, «footsteps» in the dark build suspense: «I heard footsteps behind me.» The phrase «follow in her mother's footsteps» means to copy a parent's path in life.

Examples

• I heard footsteps on the stairs. tree →
• Her footsteps echoed in the empty hall. tree →
• He followed in his dad's footsteps and became a firefighter. tree →
• Muddy footsteps led to the kitchen. tree →
• The footsteps came closer and closer. tree →
• The baby took her first footsteps. tree →
• Just then, the conversation was interrupted by approaching footsteps. tree →

Note

Usually plural. «Footprint» is the mark left; «footstep» is the step or its sound.

In Jewish tradition

In the Psalms footsteps stand for a person's path in life, which God guides.

Interpretation. Tradition reads the prayer to order the footsteps as asking God to keep a person's actions in line with the Torah.

Examples

• Righteousness shall go before Him, and shall make His footsteps a way. (Writings PSA.85.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• Order my footsteps by Thy word; and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. (Writings PSA.119.133, JPS 1917) tree →
• Wherewith Thine enemies have taunted, O LORD, wherewith they have taunted the footsteps of Thine anointed. (Writings PSA.89.52, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Usually plural. «Footprint» is the mark left; «footstep» is the step or its sound.