Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Not easily moved, disturbed, or changed; firm in position or state: Describes something physically stable or not shaking.
   • Regular, even, and continuous in development, frequency, or degree: Describes an action, process, or condition that is consistent and without sudden changes.
   • Sensible, reliable, and dependable in character or behavior: Describes a person who is emotionally calm, resolute, and not given to erratic changes.

2. Adverb:

   • In a firm, stable, or consistent manner: Used to describe how an action is performed.

3. Noun:

   • (Informal) A regular boyfriend or girlfriend: A person's regular romantic partner.

4. Verb:

   • To make or become steady, stable, or calm: To stop something from moving or shaking, or to become stable and calm.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Hold the ladder steady while I climb. (Keep the ladder firm and not moving.)
  • He has a steady job with a good income. (He has a regular, reliable job.)
  • She is a very steady person in a crisis. (She is calm and dependable during difficult times.)

• Adverb:

  • The ship sailed steady through the rough seas. (The ship sailed in a stable, controlled manner.)

• Noun:

  • He's been her steady for two years. (He has been her regular boyfriend for two years.)

• Verb:

  • She took a deep breath to steady her nerves before the speech. (She breathed deeply to make herself calm.)
  • He steadied the camera on the tripod. (He made the camera stable on the tripod.)

Advanced Usage

• "To go steady (with someone)": To date someone exclusively.

  • They started going steady in high school. (They began an exclusive romantic relationship in high school.)

• "Steady as a rock": Extremely stable, reliable, or unwavering.

  • His support during the project was steady as a rock. (His support was completely dependable.)

• "Steady on!": An exclamation meaning "Be careful!", "Slow down!", or "Stop!".

  • Steady on! You're driving too fast! (Be careful! You're driving too fast!)

Variants and Related Words

• Steadily (adverb): In a steady manner.

  • Prices have been rising steadily. (Prices have been increasing in a consistent, gradual way.)

• Steadiness (noun): The quality of being steady.

  • The steadiness of his hand was remarkable. (His ability to keep his hand from shaking was impressive.)

Synonyms

• Adjective: Stable, firm, constant, regular, unwavering, dependable.
• Verb: Stabilize, brace, calm, secure.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Steady down: To become calmer or more settled.
  • The children finally steadied down after the exciting game. (The children finally became calm after the exciting game.)

Related Idioms

• Slow and steady wins the race: Consistency and perseverance, rather than speed, lead to success.
  • He worked on the project methodically, believing that slow and steady wins the race. (He worked consistently, believing that persistence leads to success.)

Adjective

1. not easily excited or upset
   • steady nerves
2. relating to a person who does something regularly
   • a regular customer
   • a steady drinker
3. marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
   • firm convictions
   • a firm mouth
   • steadfast resolve
   • a man of unbendable perseverence
   • unwavering loyalty
4. securely in position; not shaky
   • held the ladder steady
5. not liable to fluctuate or especially to fall
   • stocks are still firm
6. not subject to change or variation especially in behavior
   • a steady beat
   • a steady job
   • a steady breeze
   • a steady increase
   • a good steady ballplayer

Adverb

1. in a steady manner
   • he could still walk steadily

Noun

1. a person loved by another person

Verb

1. support or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace
   • brace your elbows while working on the potter's wheel
2. make steady
   • steady yourself