— steadily , adv. — steadiness , n.
/sted"ee/ , adj., steadier, steadiest , interj., n., pl. steadies , v. , steadied, steadying , adv.
adj.
1. firmly placed or fixed; stable in position or equilibrium: a steady ladder.
2. even or regular in movement: the steady swing of the pendulum.
3. free from change, variation, or interruption; uniform; continuous: a steady diet of meat and potatoes; a steady wind.
4. constant, regular, or habitual: a steady job.
5. free from excitement or agitation; calm: steady nerves.
6. firm; unfaltering: a steady gaze; a steady hand.
7. steadfast or unwavering; resolute: a steady purpose.
8. settled, staid, or sober, as a person, habits, etc.
9. Naut. (of a vessel) keeping nearly upright, as in a heavy sea.
10. go steady , Informal. to date one person exclusively: Her father didn't approve of her going steady at such an early age.
interj.
11. (used to urge someone to calm down or be under control.)
12. Naut. (a helm order to keep a vessel steady on its present heading.)
n.
13. Informal. a person of the opposite sex whom one dates exclusively; sweetheart; boyfriend or girlfriend.
14. Informal. a steady visitor, customer, or the like; habitué.
v.t.
15. to make or keep steady, as in position, movement, action, character, etc.: His calm confidence steadied the nervous passengers.
v.i.
16. to become steady.
adv.
17. in a firm or steady manner: Hold the ladder steady.
18. Informal. steadily, regularly, or continuously: Is she working steady now?
[ 1520-30; 1905-10 for def. 13; STEAD + -Y 1 ]
Syn. 1. balanced. 3. undeviating, invariable. 7. See steadfast .