Incorrect spelling, explanation: you can’t spell stepped as steped because of a spelling rule in English that applies to regular verbs ending in a single consonant after a short vowel. When a one-syllable verb ends in a consonant preceded by a short vowel, we double the final consonant before adding -ed for the past tense. Step is a one-syllable word (step), the vowel -e is short, and the word ends in a single consonant (-p), so, according to the rule, we double the -p before adding -ed. If you wrote steped, it would break the spelling pattern.

Correct spelling, explanation: the etymology of stepped comes from the verb step, which originates from Old English steppan (meaning to take a step, go, or move). This word has Germanic roots, related to Old High German stepfen and Dutch stappen, all carrying the idea of movement by foot. The correct past tense of step is stepped because of a common English spelling rule: Short vowel + single consonant → double the final consonant before adding -ed. Since steped has never been a correct or historically recognized form, it has no etymology – it is simply a misspelling of stepped.

Definition of stepped:
Past simple and past participle of step, to move by lifting your foot and putting it down in a different place, or to put your foot on or in something
She stepped onto the stage with confidence, ready to deliver her speech.
He stepped back quickly to avoid the puddle on the sidewalk.

Definition of stepped:
Some of the most commonly used collocations include:
1. Stepped up: took responsibility or increased effort.
She stepped up to lead the project when her boss resigned.
2. Stepped down: resigned from a position or role.
After ten years as CEO, he stepped down to focus on his family.
3. Stepped onto: placed one’s foot on something.
He stepped onto the stage with confidence.
4. Stepped out: left briefly, often for a short walk or break.
She stepped out for a breath of fresh air.