steady

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.