steadily

[sted-i-lee]

adverb

1. in a way that moves constantly and at an even pace or in the same direction.

   My dedication and commitment to teaching are proven by my steadily increasing student evaluation scores.

   Despite numerous legislative attempts to constrain spending over the past 40 years, the deficit problem has marched steadily on.

2. in a continuous, uniform way.

   It rained steadily all day yesterday and by evening the river was almost overflowing.

3. in a calm, fixed, or unwavering way.

   He just stood there, holding his ground and gazing steadily at her, into those dark eyes.

4. in a firm, stable way.

   Binoculars with larger magnification tend to be overly bulky and difficult to hold steadily.

5. in a determined, persevering, or resolute way.

   She told him, “Seek peace of mind and hold steadily to your faith.”

Other Word Forms

• oversteadily adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of steadily¹

steady ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

He had risen steadily, a considered constructor of clubs and teams rather than a quick-fix problem solver that made him an ill fit for clubs as demanding - on and off the pitch - as Chelsea.

From BBC

After his presidency, Republican leaders steadily polished his memory into a symbol of conservative triumph, downplaying scandals such as Iran-Contra or Reagan’s early skepticism of civil rights.

From Salon

The controversy has been months in the making - tensions between management and parents at the kindergarten centre, about half an hour north of Brisbane, have been steadily brewing this year.

From BBC

Kennedy is correct that autism spectrum disorder rates have risen steadily in the U.S. since the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

The family hopes Jess's Rule will help to increase awareness of the importance of GPs acting quickly for patients who are steadily deteriorating.

From BBC

Related Words

• regularly