WordGarden.iosteeply
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈiːpli/
US
- /ˈstipli/
Meanings
Adverb
at a sharp angle or with a strong upward or downward slope
by a large amount or at a sharply increasing or decreasing rate
Beyond the definition
Imagine a mountain climber moving up a cliff face. They are going upward steeply, which means the slope is very sharp and hard to climb. But this word is not only about hills, roads, or roofs. It can also describe change, especially when something rises or falls fast. Prices may rise steeply during a busy season, and sales may drop steeply after a holiday rush. A road can slope steeply uphill, and a path can turn steeply down into a valley. The main idea is clear: something is going at a sharp angle or changing very fast.
The word "steeply" describes something that rises, falls, slopes, or changes very sharply. It is often used for physical angles that feel high, sudden, or difficult. You might talk about a roof that slopes steeply, a road that climbs steeply up a mountain, or a path that drops steeply into a valley. A roller coaster can dive steeply downward, and a hill can rise steeply in front of a tired walker. In these cases, the word helps you picture a strong angle rather than a gentle one.
However, "steeply" is not limited to land or shape. It is also common when talking about rates of change. If demand for a product jumps, prices might rise steeply. If a company loses customers, its sales might fall steeply. On a graph, a line that moves upward or downward steeply shows fast change over a short time. This use is very common in news, business, science, and everyday reporting.
The key idea behind "steeply" is sharpness, either in angle or in speed of change. It does not suggest a small or gentle movement. Instead, it points to something strong and noticeable. Stock prices may fall steeply during a market crash, and a bird may dive steeply toward the ground. Whether you are describing a road, a roof, a graph, or a sudden rise or fall in numbers, "steeply" gives the sense of a sharp direction and a large change.
Examples
- 1
Road incline
The road climbs steeply just outside the village.
- 2
Downhill path
The path drops steeply toward the river.
- 3
Price increase
House prices rose steeply over the summer.
- 4
Sales decline
Sales fell steeply after the holiday season ended.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Graph trend
The graph slopes steeply upward in the final section.
- 6
Late fees
Fees increase steeply if you miss the payment deadline.
See also
Similar
- sharply
- at a sharp angle
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- rise steeply
- fall steeply
- slope steeply
- climb steeply
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- steeplyadverb