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steady
/ˈstɛdi/
stable and dependable
She kept a steady hand while performing the surgery.
She maintained a calm and controlled hand movement during the operation.
general
firmly fixed, supported, or balanced; not shaking or moving
The ladder must be steady before you climb it.
The ladder needs to be stable and not wobble before you use it.
general
regular, even, and continuous in development or movement
The company reported steady growth over the past year.
The company showed consistent and reliable progress during the year.
general
not changing or fluctuating; constant
The temperature remained steady at 25 degrees Celsius.
The temperature stayed consistently at 25 degrees Celsius without variation.
general
dependable and reliable in behavior or performance
He is a steady worker who always meets deadlines.
He is a reliable employee who consistently completes tasks on time.
Collocations
steady handa calm and controlled hand movementsteady progressconsistent and reliable advancementsteady relationshipa stable and dependable partnershipsteady incomea reliable and consistent source of money
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistakes with 'Steady'
Avoid using 'steady' to describe sudden or temporary stability. It implies long-term consistency rather than momentary firmness.
Gold Rule
When to Use 'Steady'
Use 'steady' for things that are firmly fixed, consistently developing, or reliably dependable. It does not describe temporary or wavering conditions.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'stede' (place, position), from Old English 'stede' (place, stead), from Proto-Germanic '*stadi-', related to 'stand'. The sense of 'stable' developed in the 16th century.
Usage Notes
Often used to describe physical stability (e.g., objects, movements) or emotional/behavioral reliability (e.g., relationships, work performance). Can also describe gradual but consistent progress.
Word Breakdown
stead-
firm position or place
root-y
characterized by
suffixEnglish Dictionary