Steady

Pronunciation

• enPR: stÄ•dʹi, IPA: /ˈstÉ›di/

Origin

From Middle English stede, stedi, from Old English staeththig, from staeth ("stead, bank"). Confer Danish stedig, stadig, steeg, German stätig, stetig.

Full definition of steady

Adjective

1. Firm in standing or position; not tottering or shaking; fixed; firm.
   Hold the ladder steady while I go up.
• Sir Philip Sidney (1554-1586)Their feet steady, their hands diligent, their eyes watchful, and their hearts resolute.
• 1879, Richard Jefferies, The Amateur Poacher Chapter 1, But then I had the flintlock by me for protection. ¶ There were giants in the days when that gun was made; for surely no modern mortal could have held that mass of metal steady to his shoulder.
• 1910, Emerson Hough, The Purchase Price Chapter 1, Captain Edward Carlisle, soldier as he was, martinet as he was, felt a curious sensation of helplessness seize upon him as he met her steady gaze, her alluring smile ; he could not tell what this prisoner might do.
2. Constant in feeling, purpose, or pursuit; not fickle, changeable, or wavering; not easily moved or persuaded to alter a purpose; resolute.
   a man steady in his principles, in his purpose, or in the pursuit of an object
3. Smooth and not bumpy or with obstructions.
   a steady ride
4. Regular and even.
   the steady course of the Sun;   a steady breeze of wind
5. Slow.

Antonyms

• unsteady

Derived terms

Verb

1. To stabilize something; to prevent from shaking.

Noun

1. (informal) A regular customer.
• 2013, Sheila Foster, Soho WhoreSome of my steadies wanted me to go out with them on a date. Occasionally I let one of them take me to a film or out for a meal.

Anagrams

• stayed