steady
B1Neutral; common in everyday, business, and academic contexts.
Definition
Meaning
Firmly fixed, supported, or balanced; not shaking or moving; regular and continuous in development, frequency, or intensity.
Describes reliability, consistency, and calm determination in character or situation; can also mean to make something stable or to become stable.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an adjective; also used as a verb (to steady oneself/something) and adverb (informal, as in 'go steady'). Conveys positive connotations of reliability but can imply a lack of excitement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Go steady' (date exclusively) is slightly more dated but understood in both. The verb form is equally common.
Connotations
Similar positive connotations of reliability. In UK informal contexts, 'steady on!' is a mild admonition to calm down.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
STEADY + noun (steady job)verb + STEADY (hold steady)STEADY + yourself (steady yourself)STEADY + on! (interjection)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go steady”
- “Steady as she goes”
- “Slow and steady wins the race”
- “Steady on!”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to consistent market performance or reliable revenue streams.
Academic
Describing a consistent trend in data or a stable equilibrium in systems.
Everyday
Talking about a stable relationship, a reliable job, or holding something without shaking.
Technical
In engineering, describing a state without fluctuation or vibration.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She took a deep breath to steady her nerves before the interview.
- The captain steadied the ship during the storm.
American English
- He steadied the ladder while I climbed up.
- Try to steady your voice when you give the presentation.
adverb
British English
- They've been going steady for a few months now.
- (Informal) Steady on! You're driving too fast!
American English
- Are you two going steady? (dated but understood)
- Hold it steady while I attach the wire.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Hold the camera steady to take a good photo.
- She has a steady job at the local school.
- After a shaky start, the business is now showing steady progress.
- He spoke in a steady voice despite his anxiety.
- The economy is growing at a slow but steady pace, which analysts find encouraging.
- She met his steady gaze without looking away.
- Investors value the fund for its steady returns in both bullish and bearish markets.
- The pilot's steady hands were crucial during the emergency landing.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STEADy TABLE – it doesn't wobble; it's firm and reliable.
Conceptual Metaphor
STABILITY IS STEADINESS, PROGRESS IS A STEADY JOURNEY.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'стойкий' (more 'resilient' or 'hardy'). 'Steady' чаще означает 'устойчивый', 'постоянный', 'равномерный'. Глагол 'to steady' — 'стабилизировать', 'успокаивать' (e.g., steady your nerves).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'steady' for 'always' (e.g., 'He is steady late' is wrong; use 'always' or 'constantly'). Confusing 'steady' (consistent) with 'fast' or 'quick'. Incorrect verb pattern: 'He steadied to work' (correct: 'He settled down to work' or 'He worked steadily').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best exemplifies the meaning of 'steady' as in 'a steady hand'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, from technical reports to everyday conversation.
They are often synonyms. 'Stable' often implies an inherent resistance to change or collapse (a stable structure, stable government). 'Steady' often implies consistency and lack of fluctuation over time (steady progress, steady hands).
Yes. 'To steady' means to make or become steady, calm, or stable (e.g., 'She steadied the ladder', 'He steadied his breathing').
It is an informal, somewhat dated phrase meaning to date someone exclusively, in a serious romantic relationship.