French word

étape

Pronunciation

IPA/etap/

Meaning

  • feminine nounstage

Example

Nous sommes à la troisième étape.

We are at the third stage.

Illustration for étape (stage)

More examples

Après validation, on passe à l'étape suivante.

After validation, we move on to the next stage.

Core concept

A marked stop along a route or plan, after which the journey or work continues.

Common phrases

  • la dernière étape

    the last stage

  • passer à l'étape suivante

    move on to the next stage

Similar words

phase: A distinct stage or period in a process, change, or plan.
pause: A short break or temporary stop during work or travel.
halte: A brief stop to rest during a journey or walk, or the place for it.

Definition in French

Moment ou portion distincte d'une action, d'un projet ou d'un voyage servant de repère avant la suite.

Word origin

Étape comes through Old French estape from a Germanic source related to Old High German stap, first referring to a stopping place before extending to stages of work.

Usage tips

  • Étape commonly takes the preposition à in expressions such as à la troisième étape, while a physical step is usually un pas.

Other meanings

  • stepnoun
  • legnoun
  • stopovernoun

Word lists with this word