Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mexico and Canada, those countries have been spared an arduous qualifying competition — tense games that would have steeled them for the tournament ahead.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 10, 2025
But previous playoff disappointments have steeled this core group to handle adversity, and in the immediate aftermath of their 3-2 loss in Game 5, leaders were already putting it in the rearview mirror.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 25, 2022
While the song might have steeled listeners’ courage, it also put the government on notice.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 12, 2021
The struggle might have steeled him for his surge this summer.
From Golf Digest ● Aug. 4, 2019
Nothing but the ruling desire to make a lady of his child, could have steeled him to the endurance, hour after hour, of her monotonous "One--two--three--four," and the discordant banging which accompanied those plaintive utterances.
From Round the Block by John Bell Bouton
