Definition

A sound or mark made by a foot when it steps on the ground, or the distance covered by one step.

Example

I heard a footstep behind me as I walked down the empty street.

Conversation

Did you hear that footstep last night?

Yeah, it sounded like someone was outside.

I thought it was just my imagination, but it was so clear!

Maybe it was just a neighbor passing by.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Footstep → It is formed from "foot" (from Old English "fōt", meaning the lower limb of the body) and "step" (from Old English "stæpe", meaning a movement made by lifting the foot and setting it down). The word "footstep" refers to the mark or sound made by a foot as it steps down.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'foot' as the lower limb and 'step' as the movement made when walking — a footstep is simply the mark or sound made when a foot takes a step.

Visually Confused Words