Step-by-step (adverb)

In a series of stages, one after the other.

Origin:

The phrase "step-by-step" is a combination of the noun "step" meaning a movement made by lifting one foot and putting it down in another spot, and the preposition "by" meaning in the manner or process indicated, resulting in the adverb "step-by-step" meaning in a series of stages, one after the other.

Examples:

1. The recipe is easy to follow step-by-step.
2. The teacher gave us a step-by-step explanation on how to solve the math problem.
3. The guidebook provided step-by-step instructions on how to get to the summit.
4. The assembly process was made simple by following the step-by-step instructions.
5. He explained the process to me step-by-step so that I could understand it better.