Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a steep manner; at a sharp angle or incline: Describes an action or state involving a very sharp slope, a rapid rise or fall, or a near-vertical orientation.
   • To a great or extreme degree; sharply: Used figuratively to describe a rapid and significant increase or decrease, often in financial or quantitative contexts.

Usage Examples

• Literal (Physical Slope):
  • The path climbed steeply up the mountainside.
  • The cliff face dropped steeply into the sea below.
• Figurative (Rapid Change):
  • Prices have risen steeply this year.
  • Public interest in the scandal declined steeply after the initial report.

Advanced Usage

• "to fall/rise steeply": To decrease or increase very rapidly and significantly.
  • The company's stock value fell steeply following the announcement.
• "to climb/descend steeply": To go up or down a very sharp incline.
  • The aircraft began to descend steeply toward the runway.

Variants and Related Words

• Steep (adjective): Having a sharp slope; precipitous.
  • The hill was too steep to cycle up.
• Steepness (noun): The quality or degree of being steep.
  • The steepness of the trail made the hike challenging.

Synonyms

• Sharply: In a sharp, abrupt, or steep manner.
• Precipitously: Very steeply; abruptly.
• Abruptly: Suddenly and steeply.

Antonyms

• Gradually: In a gradual manner; slowly and by degrees.
• Gently: In a gentle, mild, or gradual manner.
• Slowly: At a slow speed; not steeply.

Related Phrases

• At a steep angle: Positioned with a sharp incline.
  • The ladder was leaning against the wall at a steep angle.
• A steep rise/fall: A very sharp or rapid increase or decrease.
  • The graph shows a steep fall in temperature overnight.

Adverb

1. in a steep manner
   • the street rose steeply up to the castle