First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1steady
adjective \ˈste-dē\
steadi·ersteadi·est
Definition of STEADY
1
a : direct or sure in movement : unfaltering <a steady hand> b : firm in position : fixed <held the pole steady> c : keeping nearly upright in a seaway <a steady ship>
3
a : not easily disturbed or upset <steady nerves> b (1) : constant in feeling, principle, purpose, or attachment <steady friends> (2) : dependable c : not given to dissipation : sober
— steadi·ly \ˈste-dəl-ē\ adverb
— steadi·ness \ˈste-dē-nəs\ noun
See steady defined for English-language learners
See steady defined for kids
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Examples of STEADY
- She used a tripod to keep the camera steady.
- Painting takes a steady hand and a good eye.
- Prices have remained steady over the last month.
- He finally has a steady job.
- They do a steady business at the restaurant.
- There has been a steady increase in prices.
- I am making steady progress on refinishing the basement.
- There was a steady rain all day.
- We've received a steady stream of donations.
Origin of STEADY
Middle English stedy, from stede
Related to STEADY
- Synonyms
- constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, fast, good, loyal, pious, staunch (also stanch), steadfast, faithful, true, true-blue
- Antonyms
- disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue
Synonym Discussion of STEADY
steady, even, equable mean not varying throughout a course or extent. steady implies lack of fluctuation or interruption of movement <steady progress>. even suggests a lack of variation in quality or character <an even distribution>. equable implies lack of extremes or of sudden sharp changes <maintain an equable temper>.
2steady
verb
: to keep (something or someone) from moving, shaking, falling, etc.
: to cause (something) to stop changing, increasing, decreasing, etc.
stead·iedsteady·ing
Full Definition of STEADY
transitive verb
: to make or keep steady
intransitive verb
: to become steady
— steadi·er noun
See steady defined for English-language learners
Examples of STEADY
- He steadied the gun and fired.
- She used a tripod to steady the camera.
- The doctor gave her medication to help steady her heart rate.
- Her heart rate had been erratic but eventually steadied.
- Prices have steadied in recent months.
First Known Use of STEADY
1530
3steady
adverb
: in a steady way
Full Definition of STEADY
1
: in a steady manner : steadily
2
: on the course set —used as a direction to the helmsman of a ship
See steady defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of STEADY
circa 1605
4steady
noun
: the only person you are having a romantic relationship with : the person you are going steady with
plural stead·ies
Full Definition of STEADY
: one that is steady; specifically : a boyfriend or girlfriend with whom one goes steady
See steady defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of STEADY
1792
STEADY Defined for Kids
1steady
adjective \ˈste-dē\
steadi·ersteadi·est
Definition of STEADY for Kids
1
: firmly fixed in position <Make sure the ladder is steady.>
2
: direct or sure in action <She worked with steady hands.> <I took steady aim.>
3
: showing little change <a steady flow of water> <I found a steady job.>
4
: not easily upset <steady nerves>
2steady
verb
stead·iedsteady·ing
Definition of STEADY for Kids
: to make, keep, or become steady <He put on some music to steady his nerves.> <I put the stepladder next to the cart and steadied it with one hand … — Jack Gantos, Joey Pigza Loses Control>
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