steady

STED-ee/ˈstɛdi/

16 meanings of steady

1
adjective
Happening in a regular way, without sudden changes or stops.
Like a drumbeat that never speeds up or slows down.
The clock ticked at a steady beat all through the night.
He breathed in a steady rhythm while he slept.
Similarregular, even, constant, consistent, stable
Oppositeirregular, erratic, fitful, intermittent
Note
2
adjective
Held firmly in place, not shaking or about to fall over.
Like a rock that does not move when you push it.
Hold the ladder steady while I climb to the top.
The table felt steady once he tightened the legs.
Similarstable, firm, secure, still, solid
Oppositeunsteady, shaky, wobbly, unstable
Note
3
adjective
Staying firm in your feelings or plans, and not changing your mind easily.
Like a person who keeps a promise no matter what happens.
She stayed steady in her decision to become a doctor.
He is a steady friend who never lets you down.
Similarunwavering, steadfast, constant, firm, staunch
Oppositefickle, wavering, inconstant
4
adjective
Calm and not easily upset or excited.
Like still water that stays flat even in a storm.
She stayed steady even when everyone else started to panic.
His steady manner calmed the frightened children.
Similareven-tempered
Oppositeexcitable, nervous, volatile, jittery
5
verbfigurativelytransitive
To hold something still so that it stops shaking.
Like putting a hand on a spinning top to stop it.
He reached out to steady the wobbling shelf.
She took a deep breath to steady her nerves before the speech.
Similarstabilize, balance, brace, calm, support
Oppositedestabilize, unsettle, shake, rattle
6
verbintransitive
To become stable or calm after moving or shaking.
Like a swing that slowly stops moving back and forth.
The boat began to steady once the waves calmed down.
Her breathing started to steady after the long run.
Similarstabilize, settle, calm
Oppositefluctuate, waver, tremble
7
adjective
Smooth, without bumps or things getting in the way.
Like gliding over fresh ice with nothing to trip on.
The car rolled along the steady road without a single jolt.
We finally reached a steady stretch of path after the rocks.
Similarsmooth, even, calm
Oppositebumpy, rough, uneven, choppy
8
nouncolloquialcountable
A regular boyfriend or girlfriend.
She brought her steady to the school dance.
He's been my steady since last summer.
Similarpartner, sweetheart, boyfriend, girlfriend, beau
9
adjective
Moving slowly and without rushing.
Like a turtle that takes its time getting there.
The climb up was a steady, slow trudge that took all morning.
He drives at a steady crawl whenever it rains.
Similarleisurely, measured, unhurried, slow, gentle
Oppositebrisk, hurried, rapid
10
nouncountable
A support that holds your hand, a tool, or your work still.
Like a stand that keeps your arm from shaking.
He rested the chisel on a steady to keep his cut straight.
The carver used a steady to hold his hand still.
Similarrest, support

Practice

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Origin

From Middle English stedy, perhaps from Old English stæþþiġ meaning 'stable' or 'firm'. It comes from 'stead' plus '-y'.