steady

[sted-ee]

adjective

steadier, steadiest 

1. firmly placed or fixed; stable in position or equilibrium.

   a steady ladder.

   Synonyms: firm

2. even or regular in movement.

   the steady swing of the pendulum.

3. free from change, variation, or interruption; uniform; continuous.

   a steady diet of meat and potatoes;

   a steady wind.

   Synonyms: invariable

4. constant, regular, or habitual.

   a steady job.

5. free from excitement or agitation; calm.

   steady nerves.

6. unfaltering; firm.

   a steady gaze;

   a steady hand.

7. steadfast or unwavering; resolute.

   a steady purpose.

8. settled, staid, or sober, as a person, habits, etc.

9. Nautical.,  (of a vessel) keeping nearly upright, as in a heavy sea.

interjection

1. (used to urge someone to calm down or be under control.)

2. Nautical.,  (a helm order to keep a vessel steady on its present heading.)

noun

plural

steadies 

1. Informal.,  a person whom one dates exclusively; sweetheart.

2. Informal.,  a steady visitor, customer, or the like; habitué.

verb (used with object)

steadied, steadying 

1. to make or keep steady, as in position, movement, action, character, etc..

   His calm confidence steadied the nervous passengers.

verb (used without object)

steadied, steadying 

1. to become steady.

adverb

1. in a firm or steady manner.

   Hold the ladder steady.

2. Informal.,  steadily, regularly, or continuously.

   Is she working steady now?

steady

/ ˈstɛdɪ /

adjective

1. not able to be moved or disturbed easily; stable

2. free from fluctuation

   the level stayed steady

3. not easily excited; imperturbable

4. staid; sober

5. regular; habitual

   a steady drinker

6. continuous

   a steady flow

7. nautical (of a vessel) keeping upright, as in heavy seas

verb

1. to make or become steady

adverb

1. in a steady manner

2. informal,  to date one person regularly

noun

1. informal,  one's regular boyfriend or girlfriend

interjection

1. nautical an order to the helmsman to stay on a steady course

2. a warning to keep calm, be careful, etc

3. a command to get set to start, as in a race

   ready, steady, go!

Other Word Forms

• steadily adverb
• steadiness noun
• oversteadiness noun
• oversteady adjective
• steadier noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of steady¹

First recorded in 1520–30; 1905–10 steady for def. 12; stead + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of steady¹

C16: from _stead + _-y ¹ ; related to Old High German stātīg , Middle Dutch stēdig

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. go steady, to date one person exclusively.

   Her father didn't approve of her going steady at such an early age.

More idioms and phrases containing steady

• go steady
• slow but sure (steady wins the race)

Synonym Study

See steadfast.

Example Sentences

Among the recruitment ads, which appear in Arabic and other languages, Alexandrovna’s channel keeps up a steady rhythm of posts extolling the Russian army’s victories in Ukraine.

From Los Angeles Times

The family were staying at the neighbouring Trecco Bay, a vast caravan park that helps ensure a steady stream of customers for the fair during the summer months.

From BBC

Regardless, it’s going to take more than two true freshmen to steady USC’s secondary.

From Los Angeles Times

Ben Rortvedt has provided a steady presence behind the plate for the pitching staff, improved defense on balls in the dirt, and subtly useful offense.

From Los Angeles Times

Omar Fateh steadied himself before the camera and flashed a smile between heavy blinks, the weight of a nearly sleepless night tugging at his eyelids.

From Salon

Related Words

• consistent 
• constant 
• continuous 
• incessant 
• persistent 
• regular 
• stable 
• unbroken 
• uninterrupted