adj., v., adv., int., & n.
adj. (steadier, steadiest) 1 firmly fixed or supported or standing or balanced; not tottering, rocking, or wavering. 2 done or operating or happening in a uniform and regular manner (a steady pace; a steady increase). 3 a constant in mind or conduct; not changeable. b persistent. 4 (of a person) serious and dependable in behaviour; of industrious and temperate habits; safe; cautious. 5 regular, established (a steady girlfriend). 6 accurately directed; not faltering (a steady hand; a steady eye). 7 (of a ship) on course and upright.
v.tr. & intr. (-ies, -ied) make or become steady (steady the boat).
adv. steadily (hold it steady).
int. as a command or warning to take care.
n. (pl. -ies) colloq. a regular boyfriend or girlfriend. go steady (often foll. by with) colloq. have as a regular boyfriend or girlfriend. steady down become steady. steady-going staid; sober. steady on! a call to take care. steady state an unvarying condition, esp. in a physical process, e.g. of the universe having no beginning and no end. steadier n. steadily adv. steadiness n.
[ STEAD = place, + -Y(1) ]