n.
Pronunciation: ' ste-d ē
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: steadi · er ; -est
Etymology: Middle English stedy, from stede
Date: 14th century
1 a : direct or sure in movement : UNFALTERING <a steady hand> b : firm in position : FIXED <held the pole steady > c : keeping nearly upright in a seaway <a steady ship>
2 : showing little variation or fluctuation : STABLE , UNIFORM <a steady breeze> < steady prices>
3 a : not easily disturbed or upset < steady nerves> b (1) : constant in feeling, principle, purpose, or attachment < steady friends> (2) : DEPENDABLE c : not given to dissipation : SOBER
– steadi · ly \ ' ste-d ə l- ē \ adverb
– steadi · ness \ ' ste-d ē -n ə s \ noun
synonyms STEADY , EVEN , EQUABLE mean not varying throughout a course or extent. STEADY implies lack of fluctuation or interruption of movement < steady progress>. EVEN suggests a lack of variation in quality or character <an even distribution>. EQUABLE implies lack of extremes or of sudden sharp changes <maintain an equable temper>.