steels: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “steels” mean?
The third-person singular present tense form of the verb 'steel', meaning to mentally prepare oneself to face something difficult or challenging.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The third-person singular present tense form of the verb 'steel', meaning to mentally prepare oneself to face something difficult or challenging.
It can also be the plural form of the noun 'steel', referring to hard, strong alloys of iron and carbon, or metaphorically to qualities like strength or resilience.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Minor potential spelling variations in related terms (e.g., 'armour' vs. 'armor') in metaphorical contexts.
Connotations
Identical. The verb carries a literary, somewhat formal tone in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in written, formal, or literary contexts than in casual speech in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “steels” in a Sentence
NP steels oneself (for NP/against NP)NP steels NP (e.g., one's nerves, one's heart) (for NP)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “steels” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He steels himself before entering the examination room.
- She steels her nerves against the coming criticism.
American English
- He steels himself for the tough negotiation ahead.
- She steels her heart against the emotional plea.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in metaphorical leadership contexts: 'The CEO steels herself for the difficult quarterly report.'
Academic
Rare in technical writing except in Materials Science for the plural noun.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. More likely in narrative or reflective speech.
Technical
Common in engineering/metallurgy as a plural noun for types of steel.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “steels”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “steels”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “steels”
- Using 'steels' without a reflexive object (e.g., 'He steels for the fight' – incorrect).
- Confusing 'steals' (to take) with 'steels'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The verb form is less common in everyday speech and more frequent in writing or formal contexts. The plural noun is common in technical/industrial contexts.
Rarely. The verb is almost always used reflexively (e.g., steels oneself) or with a direct object like 'nerves' or 'heart'.
'Steels' (with a long 'ee') means to mentally harden or is the plural of steel. 'Steals' (with a long 'ea') is the verb meaning to take something without permission.
Use it to describe preparing for emotional or psychological difficulty: 'She steels herself for the confrontation' or 'He steels his heart against pity.'
The third-person singular present tense form of the verb 'steel', meaning to mentally prepare oneself to face something difficult or challenging.
Steels is usually formal, literary in register.
Steels: in British English it is pronounced /stiːlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /stiːlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “nerves of steel”
- “heart of steel”
- “steel oneself”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'STEELS' like 'steel beams' – both are strong. To 'steel yourself' is to make your mind as strong as steel.
Conceptual Metaphor
MENTAL PREPARATION IS PHYSICAL HARDENING (of metal). COURAGE IS STEEL.
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'The company produces various specialty steels,' the word 'steels' is a: