steady
STED-ee
/ˈsted.i/
Firmly fixed, supported, or balanced; not shaking or moving; regular and even.
Implies reliability and lack of fluctuation.
The story behind the word. Comes from the word 'stead' (as in 'instead' or 'homestead'), meaning a place. If something is 'steady', it stays in its 'stead' or place.
Word relationships
- consistent: Consistent means acting the same way over time; steady means even and balanced.
- unstable: Unstable means likely to fall or change suddenly.
- erratic: Erratic means moving or behaving in a way that is not regular or predictable.
Commonly confused with
- sturdy: Sturdy means strong and solid; steady means balanced and regular.
Word family
- steadily (adverb): In a regular and even manner.
- steadiness (noun): The quality of being steady.
Collocations
- steady progress
- steady stream
- steady pace
Idioms & expressions
- steady as she goes
Example sentences
- "You need a steady hand to be a successful surgeon." Physical stability
- "Slow and steady wins the race." Progress
Memory hook
If you stay in your 'stead' (place), you are 'steady'. Firm in its place.
When not to use
Don't use for things that are changing rapidly or unpredictably.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'rock steady' originated in Jamaica in the 1960s as a style of music.
Related words
Also appears in
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