形容詞 step by step:

1. one thing at a time
   同義詞：bit-by-bit, in small stages, piecemeal, step-by-step, stepwise

副詞 step by step:

1. in a gradual manner
   同義詞：gradually, bit by bit
2. proceeding in steps
   同義詞：stepwise

1. Most programs are fairly rigid--they tell the computer exactly what to do, step by step.
   大多數程序相當刻板——它們精確地告訴計算機一步一步地做什么。
2. Step by step he gained the child's confidence and got the whole story from her.
   他逐漸地取得了那個小孩信任并從她那里了解到事情的全部經過。
3. Step by step Mary taught the little dog to obey her.
   瑪麗慢慢地教得小狗聽她的話了。
4. He will be promoted step by step.
   他將被逐步提升。