steepen: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal; Technical
Quick answer
What does “steepen” mean?
To become or make something become steeper or more extreme in its gradient, intensity, or rate of change.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To become or make something become steeper or more extreme in its gradient, intensity, or rate of change.
In finance, to describe a yield curve becoming more pronounced; metaphorically, to increase the difficulty or intensity of a process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; verb is used similarly.
Connotations
Same in both. Neutral.
Frequency
Slightly more common in technical contexts (geography, finance) in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “steepen” in a Sentence
[intransitive]: The path steepened.[transitive]: The engineers steepened the embankment.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “steepen” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The climb steepens considerably near the summit.
- Analysts fear inflation will steepen the cost-of-living curve.
- They had to steepen the railway gradient for the new high-speed line.
American English
- The trail steepens after the second bridge.
- The Federal Reserve's actions could steepen the yield curve.
- We need to steepen the roof pitch for the heavy snow load.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard. Use 'steeply'.]
American English
- [Not standard. Use 'steeply'.]
adjective
British English
- [Not standard. Use 'steeper'.]
American English
- [Not standard. Use 'steeper'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The yield curve has steepened, signalling market expectations of higher inflation."
Academic
"Post-glacial rebound caused the continental slope to steepen over millennia."
Everyday
"Be careful, the trail really steepens just past the old oak tree."
Technical
"Adjust the camber to steepen the angle of attack."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “steepen”
- Using 'steepen' for a person ('He steepened' – incorrect). Using it for a slow, gentle increase (prefer 'gradually increased').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a C1/C2 level word, most common in technical, geographical, or financial contexts.
Yes, e.g., 'The learning curve steepened' means the difficulty increased sharply.
There is no direct noun. Use 'steepening' (the steepening of the slope) or related nouns like 'increase in gradient' or 'sharpening'.
No. The adjective is 'steep'. The comparative is 'steeper'.
To become or make something become steeper or more extreme in its gradient, intensity, or rate of change.
Steepen is usually formal; technical in register.
Steepen: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstiːpən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstiːpən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for 'steepen'; used in literal descriptions.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: STEEP + EN (to make). It makes something steep.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFICULTY IS A STEEP SLOPE (e.g., 'The learning curve steepened dramatically').
Practice
Quiz
In a financial context, what does it mean if a yield curve 'steepens'?