steer

/stiə/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
steer

The farmer uses a long pole to gently steer the oxen across the field.

Definition
  1. Verb:

    • To control the direction of a moving vehicle or vessel: To guide the course of something like a car, ship, or bicycle.
    • To guide or influence the direction of something non-physical: To direct the course of events, a discussion, or a person's behavior or choices.
  2. Noun:

    • A young castrated male bovine animal: Specifically, a young bull that has been castrated, raised primarily for beef.
    • A piece of advice or information: (Informal) A tip or suggestion meant to guide someone.
Examples of Usage
  • Verb:

    • You need to steer the car carefully on icy roads.
    • The CEO tried to steer the conversation away from the company's financial losses.
    • A good teacher can steer students toward success.
  • Noun:

    • The farmer raised several steers for market.
    • He gave me a good steer about which stocks to buy.
Advanced Usage
  • "to steer clear of (someone/something)": To deliberately avoid someone or something because they are dangerous, problematic, or undesirable.

    • I always steer clear of that neighborhood at night.
    • You should steer clear of getting involved in office gossip.
  • "to steer a middle course": To choose a moderate path or policy, avoiding extremes.

    • In the debate, the politician tried to steer a middle course to appeal to both sides.
Variants and Related Words
  • Steering (n): The mechanism or action of controlling direction.
    • The car's steering is very responsive.
  • Steersman (n): A person who steers a ship or boat.
  • Steerage (n): Historically, the part of a ship providing the cheapest accommodations for passengers; also, the act of steering.
Synonyms
  • Verb: Guide, direct, pilot, navigate, control, maneuver.
  • Noun (animal): Bullock, ox.
  • Noun (advice): Tip, hint, pointer, suggestion.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Steer toward/away from: To guide or move in the direction of something or away from it.
    • The counselor steered her toward a career in science.
    • He steered the project away from its original, risky plan.
Related Idioms
  • Steer the ship: To be in charge or to lead an organization or group.
    • As the new manager, her job is to steer the ship through these difficult times.
  • Take the steering wheel: To take control of a situation.
    • When the project started to fail, she had to take the steering wheel.
steer

The farmer uses a long pole to gently steer the oxen across the field.

Noun
  1. castrated bull
  2. an indication of potential opportunity
    • he got a tip on the stock market
    • a good lead for a job
Verb
  1. be a guiding or motivating force or drive
    • The teacher steered the gifted students towards the more challenging courses
  2. direct (oneself) somewhere
    • Steer clear of him
  3. direct the course; determine the direction of travelling