stepwise

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a nountechnical

   Arranged or happening in a series of separate stages, one after the other.

   Grammar: Usually comes before a noun: a stepwise approach.

   Patterns

   • a stepwise process
   • stepwise approach

   The researchers used a stepwise method to test each hypothesis.

   A stepwise increase in temperature caused the reaction to speed up.

   The manual gives a stepwise procedure for assembling the machine.

2. 2adverbformaltechnical

   In a series of stages, one after another.

   Grammar: Less common than the adjective; often used in formal writing: the process proceeds stepwise.

   Patterns

   • proceed stepwise
   • increase stepwise

   The algorithm works stepwise, solving one small part at a time.

   The disease progresses stepwise, with clear stages.

   Add the chemicals stepwise to avoid a sudden reaction.

Common combinations

stepwise regression

They used stepwise regression to choose the best variables.

stepwise approach

A stepwise approach makes the problem easier to manage.

stepwise process

The stepwise process has five clear stages.

stepwise fashion

The data was collected in a stepwise fashion.

Synonyms and how they differ

gradual

Focuses on slow change rather than separate ordered stages.

progressive

Suggests continuing development, not necessarily one stage at a time.

sequential

Emphasizes order, but not necessarily small stages.

Opposites

Word family

step noun

One stage in a process.

stepwise adverb

In stages.

Commonly confused: stepwise or step by step?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “stepwise”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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