half step

• Небольшое или частичное движение, действие или изменение, часто используемое в таких контекстах, как музыка (полутон), танец (короткий шаг) или в переносном смысле для описания неполного или осторожного продвижения к цели.

A small or partial movement, action, or change, often used in contexts like music (a semitone), dance (a short step), or figuratively to describe an incomplete or cautious advance toward a goal.

1. Musical intervalB2formal

   The smallest interval between two notes in Western music, equivalent to one semitone.

   Полутон

   • Moving from E to F is a half step on the piano.
   • The melody descends by a half step.
   • In a chromatic scale, every note is a half step apart.

2. Small or partial actionC1informalamerican

   A minor or incomplete action taken towards a larger goal.

   Полушаг

   • The new policy is only a half step towards solving the problem.
   • They took a half step forward but then hesitated.
   • His apology felt like a half step, not a full commitment.