stepwise

[ step-wahyz ]

adverb

1. in a steplike arrangement.
2. Music. from one adjacent tone to another:

   The melody ascends stepwise.

adjective

1. Music. moving from one adjacent tone to another:

   stepwise melodic progression.

stepwise

/ ˈstɛpˌwaɪz /

adjective

1. arranged in the manner of or resembling steps
2. music proceeding by melodic intervals of a second

adverb

1. with the form or appearance of steps; step by step
2. music in a stepwise motion

Word History and Origins

Origin of stepwise¹

First recorded in 1885–90; step + -wise

Example Sentences

“They have done these studies to see, stepwise, how much antibody production is going to happen at certain doses,” he explains.

From Popular-Science

They used computer algorithms, sets of stepwise instructions that help solve mathematical problems.

From Science News For Students

When eighth-notes are used, as at a, they must be approached and left stepwise.

From Project Gutenberg

It was extended stepwise through different keys over the entire range of the two octaves of the voice.

From Project Gutenberg

In this case it is best to continue stepwise through the tone of resolution.

From Project Gutenberg

The perfect fifth following the diminished fifth is good when taken in an upward direction stepwise in the higher parts.

From Project Gutenberg

Both notes should be approached and left stepwise, with the exception that the first may be taken by a skip.

From Project Gutenberg