STEADY


Meaning of STEADY in English

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>.

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.