steely

[stee-lee]

adjective

steelier, steeliest 

1. consisting or made of steel.

2. resembling or suggesting steel, as in color, strength, or hardness.

Other Word Forms

• steeliness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of steely¹

First recorded in 1500–10; steel + -y ¹

Example Sentences

He was also a steely, secretive poser who worked overtime to airbrush his image.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“We’re not going to be beaten by a monkey,” Autumn signs, her eyes turning steely.

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“I am sorry to disappoint you, Edward,” Mater Lumley said, in a voice both calm and steely.

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These skills, moreover, and this predominance, reflected a vital feeling for raw materials, a deep aesthetic sense and a work ethic rooted in steely perseverance and in a respect for long apprenticeship and repetitive training.

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We park with a view of the village church steeple backed by steely limestone peaks of the Pyrenees and lunch at a bar some feet away.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• adamant 
• immutable 
• intractable 
• obstinate 
• resolute 
• rigid 
• rigorous 
• steadfast 
• strict 
• stringent 
• uncompromising 
• unyielding