WordGarden.iosteady
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈɛdi/
US
- /ˈstɛdi/
Meanings
Adjective
continuing evenly or regularly without much change
firmly controlled and not shaking, wobbling, or likely to fall
calm, dependable, and not easily upset or impulsive
Verb
to make or become steady; to regain control
Beyond the definition
Think of a ship sailing through rough seas: a steady hand on the wheel keeps it on course. That's what "steady" is all about: something that doesn't wobble, waver, or change easily. It can describe someone calm and dependable, like a steady friend you can always count on. It can also mean consistent progress, as in "a steady income" or "a steady climb to the top." A steady beat keeps music going at a constant pace. If your hands are shaking, someone might tell you to "hold steady!"
The word "steady" describes something that is firm, constant, and reliable, resisting change or disruption. It's a versatile word with several shades of meaning, all revolving around the idea of stability.
You can describe a person as steady: someone who is calm under pressure, dependable in a crisis, and not easily upset. "She was a steady influence on her younger brother." This implies trustworthiness and emotional control.
"Steady" also describes something that happens at a consistent rate or level. A steady job provides regular income; a steady rain falls for a long time without big changes. "The company reported steady growth in profits."
It can also refer to physical stability: "He took a steady aim before firing the arrow." Or, if someone is unwell, you might say "His breathing was becoming steady," meaning it was returning to normal.
So whether describing a person's character, the pace of progress, or physical stability, steady signifies something that is reliable, consistent, and unwavering, a comforting quality in any situation.
Examples
- 1
Physical support
Keep the ladder steady while I climb up.
- 2
Fine motor skill
She has a very steady hand, so her drawings are always neat.
- 3
Speed
The train continued at a steady speed through the tunnel.
- 4
Prices
Prices have stayed steady this month after rising in March.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Employment
After years of short-term work, he finally found a steady job.
- 6
Emotional control
Her voice stayed steady during the interview, even when the questions got difficult.
- 7
Balance
She reached for the wall to steady herself on the stairs.
- Phrasesteady yourself
stop yourself from falling or shaking
- 8
Breathing control
It took him a few minutes to steady his breathing after the run.
See also
Forms and spellings
6 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- steadynounverbadjective
Forms
- steadiedpast tenseverbadjectivenoun
- steadiercomparativeadjectiveverbnoun
- steadying-ing formverbadjectivenoun
- steadiespluralnounverbadjective
- steadiestsuperlativeadjectiveverbnoun