Other Word Forms
- steeliness noun
Etymology
Origin of steely
Explanation
Anything that's steely resembles the metal called steel in some way—it's either hard, strong, bright, or silvery. A sword, a shade of gray, and even a look can be steely. You might describe the steely glint of the polished silverware on the table, or the steely blue of your cat's eyes. If someone questions you with a steely coldness, they are hard and emotionless—as cold as steel. You could also describe this person as "flinty" or "stony," other unbending adjectives. When steely was first used in the 16th century, it also described things literally "made of steel."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She has a steely warmth but little vulnerability, almost too perfect.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
Clearly he’s not a man comfortable ruling with steely resolve.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026
Simon, a 10-time world champion, had already shown her steely resolve when she returned to the team after being dropped for five months in 2023 after the scandal first appeared in the media.
From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026
"This is a self-reliant character who outwits those trying to exploit her with silent grit and steely determination. Momin slipped into this feminist folklore with quiet understanding."
From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026
The sheriff turns around and gives us all a steely gaze.
From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
