Steady

/ˈstɛdi/ · adjective

Meaning

Firm in standing or position; not tottering or shaking; fixed; firm..

Definitions by Sense

1. Firm in standing or position; not tottering or shaking; fixed; firm.
2. Constant in feeling, purpose, or pursuit; not fickle, changeable, or wavering; not easily moved or persuaded to alter a purpose; resolute.
3. Smooth and not bumpy or with obstructions.
4. Phlegmatic, calm; not easily upset, excited, or disturbed.
5. Regular and even.
6. Slow.
7. (informal, dated) With whom one is going steady.
8. (Singapore, Singlish, predicative) Confident and cool-headed under pressure; competent; reliable, adept.

Example Sentences

Hold the ladder steady while I go up.

Their feet steady, their hands diligent, their eyes watchful, and their hearts resolute.

But then I had the flintlock by me for protection. ¶ There were giants in the days when that gun was made; for surely no modern mortal could have held that mass of metal steady to his shoulder. The linen-press and a chest on the top of it formed, however, a very good gun-carriage; and, thus mounted, aim could be taken out of the window,[…].

When I went to Harrow, thirty years ago, I found a winter evening game in force there, called 'high cockalorum,' […] The players used to divide into two opposing bands of from twelve to fourteen each – in fact, the more the merrier. One side 'went down,' so as to constitute a long 'hogsback' – the last boy having a couple of pillows between himself and the wall, and each boy clasping his front rank man, and carefully tucking his own 'cocoa-nut' [i.e., head] under his right arm, so as to prevent fracture of the vertebrae. When the hogsback was thus formed, the other side came on, leapfrogging on to the backs of those who were down, the best and the steadiest jumpers being sent first. […]

Captain Edward Carlisle, soldier as he was, martinet as he was, felt a curious sensation of helplessness seize upon him as he met her steady gaze, her alluring smile ; he could not tell what this prisoner might do.

Jenny also used a much more advanced form of wave generation: instead of using a bow string, he was able to create cymatoscopes using piezoelectric generators that could be regulated electronically and could produce steadier wave displacements than any of Jenny’s predecessors.

a man steady in his principles, in his purpose, or in the pursuit of an object

a steady ride

Synonyms for steady

Antonyms for steady

Related Words

Word Forms

• steadier
• steadiest
• steddy
• stedy
• steadies
• steadying
• steadied

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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