Definition of "step by step" []

• From one stage to the next in sequence (adverb)
• Gradually and steadily (adverb)

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• "In my last year's paper I showed that chronologically the diagnosis of dyslalia mounted step by step from a material external affair, up through the nerves until we came to the basal ganglia."
• "Individuality develops step by step throughout life, in part as a result of physiological processes which are encoded in the genetic constitution, and in part also because the total environment has formative and re - pressive effects on developmental processes."
• "Every one who has studied carefully the life histories of patients, especially of children, and has endeavored in so doing to follow step by step the experiences through which they reach the various mile-stones on their journey, must have been astonished to observe the evidences of preparedness on their part for each new step in this long journey."