steady
STED-ee
/ˈstɛdi/
Regular, even, and continuous in development, frequency, or intensity.
Implies reliability and lack of sudden changes or shakiness.
The story behind the word. From the Old English 'stede' (place). If you are steady, you are 'firm in your place'. It evolved from physical stability to consistency in action.
Word relationships
- stable: Stable refers to the ability to resist falling; steady refers to the consistency of movement or state.
- erratic: Erratic implies unpredictable changes, while steady implies predictability.
Commonly confused with
- sturdy: Sturdy means physically strong; steady means consistent in motion or behavior.
Word family
- steadiness (noun): The quality of being regular and even.
- steadily (adverb): In a regular and even manner.
Collocations
- steady progress
- steady hand
- steady stream
Idioms & expressions
- go steady
Example sentences
- "Slow and steady wins the race." A famous moral from a fable.
Memory hook
Think of a 'steady' pulse—it's the sign of a healthy, calm heart. Firm in place, even in pace.
When not to use
Avoid using it for things that are perfectly still; 'stationary' is more accurate.
Fun facts
- In the 19th century, a 'steady' was a slang term for a regular boyfriend or girlfriend.
Also appears in
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