- 1 developing, growing, etc. gradually and in an even and regular way synonym constant five years of steady economic growth a steady decline in numbers We are making slow but steady progress. The castle receives a steady stream of visitors. Oxford Collocations Dictionary verbsbe, seem, become, … adverbremarkably, very, fairly, … See full entry See related entries: Trends
- 2 not changing and not interrupted synonym regular His breathing was steady. a steady job/income She drove at a steady 50 mph. They set off at a steady pace. a steady boyfriend/girlfriend (= with whom you have a serious relationship or one that has lasted a long time) to have a steady relationship See related entries: Describing jobs
- 3 firmly fixed, supported or balanced; not shaking or likely to fall down He held the boat steady as she got in. I met his steady gaze. Such fine work requires a good eye and a steady hand. She’s not very steady on her feet these days. opposite unsteady Oxford Collocations Dictionary verbsbe, feel, look, … adverbextremely, fairly, very, … See full entry
- 4(of a person) sensible; who can be relied on Word OriginMiddle English (in the sense ‘unwavering, without deviation’): from stead + -y. The verb dates from the mid 16th cent.Extra examples Hold the ladder steady! Inflation seems to be holding steady. Share prices have held steady over the last few days. She opened the letter with hands that were not quite steady. She’s got a steady boyfriend. Such fine work requires a good eye and a steady hand. The last decade has seen a steady decline in the number of birds nesting here. The new position would provide him with a steady income. They wanted me to get a steady job. We’ve had five years of steady economic growth.Idioms
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BrE BrE//ˈstedi//; NAmE NAmE//ˈstedi//
(steadier, steadiest) Trends, Describing jobsready, steady, go! (British English) (also (get) ready, (get) set, go North American English, British English) jump to other results
extremely steady and calm; that you can rely on More Like ThisSimiles in idioms (as) bald as a coot, (as) blind as a bat, (as) bright as a button, (as) bold as brass, as busy as a bee, as clean as a whistle, (as) dead as a/the dodo, (as) deaf as a post, (as) dull as ditchwater, (as) fit as a fiddle, as flat as a pancake, (as) good as gold, (as) mad as a hatter/a March hare, (as) miserable/ugly as sin, as old as the hills, (as) pleased as Punch, as pretty as a picture, (as) regular as clockwork, (as) quick as a flash, (as) safe as houses, (as) sound as a bell, (as) steady as a rock, (as) thick as two short planks, (as) tough as old bootsSee worksheet.
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