Steady: meaning, definitions and examples

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steady

[ˈstɛdi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a stable manner

Not easily moved or changed; firmly fixed or established.

Synonyms

consistent, constant, firm, stable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
steady	Used to describe something that is regular and does not change suddenly. He has a steady job with a good salary. She kept a steady pace during the race.
stable	Refers to something that is not likely to change or fail, often used in terms of mental state, conditions, or environments. The patient's condition is stable. They have a stable relationship.
firm	Typically describes someone who is strong and determined, or something that is solid and not likely to move or change. She gave a firm handshake. The chair felt firm and sturdy.
constant	Implies something that happens all the time or continuously over a long period. The constant noise was driving me crazy. He requires constant attention.
consistent	Refers to something that remains the same over time and does not vary in quantity or quality. Her work has been very consistent this year. You need to be consistent in your efforts if you want to succeed.

Examples of usage

He kept a steady pace as he ran the marathon.
She remained steady under pressure and completed the task successfully.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

supporting or balancing

Make or keep (an object) steady.

Synonyms

balance, stabilize, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
steady	Use this word when you want to describe something that is stable and not changing. It can also be used to talk about making something less likely to move or fall. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves before the presentation. The ladder was steady, so he climbed up without fear.
balance	This word is best used when you are talking about keeping things equal or stable, often used in terms of weight, proportions, or fairness. She had to balance the books to make sure the company’s finances were in order. He teetered on the edge before finding his balance.
support	This word is used when you want to describe holding up or providing assistance to something or someone. It can be used in both physical and emotional contexts. The beams support the roof of the house. Her friends came to support her during the difficult time.
stabilize	This word is commonly used in more formal contexts to describe making something steady or less likely to change. It often implies a process or effort to achieve stability. The medication helped to stabilize his heart rate. They worked to stabilize the economy after the recession.

Examples of usage

She steadied the ladder before climbing up to the roof.
The doctor steadied the patient's hand as he took the blood sample.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

nautical

A regular, dependable source of income or support.

Synonyms

income, source, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
steady	Used to describe something that is constant, reliable, and does not change over time. He has a steady job that pays well. The ladder was not steady, so he had to be careful.
income	Refers to money received on a regular basis from work, investments, or other sources. Her monthly income is enough to cover all her expenses. He decided to invest in stocks to create an additional income.
support	Refers to assistance, help, or backing from someone or something. She received a lot of emotional support from her friends during tough times. The project can't continue without financial support.
source	Refers to the origin of something, such as where information, money, or energy comes from. The river is the main source of water for the village. You need to cite the source of your information in the report.

Examples of usage

He relied on his pension as a steady income after retiring.
The fisherman's catch provided a steady supply of food for the village.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'stedig', meaning 'firm, stable, or set'.
It has roots in Proto-Germanic '*stadhiga', which means 'to set' or 'place firmly'.
In Middle English, it began to mean 'not moving or trembling', reinforcing its connection to stability.

Psychology

A steady state of mind can reduce stress and anxiety, allowing for better decision-making.
Mindfulness practices often help individuals achieve a steady emotional state.
People who maintain steady habits tend to be more successful in achieving long-term goals.

Science

In physics, a steady state refers to a condition that remains constant over time despite ongoing processes.
Ocean currents can achieve a steady flow, impacting weather patterns around the globe.
Sustainable practices aim for a steady use of resources that doesn’t deplete environmental systems.

Pop Culture

In sports, being steady is often praised as a key to success, reflecting composure under pressure.
The phrase 'steady as she goes' is often used in nautical terms, signifying cautious navigation.
Many famous musicians have steady beats as a fundamental aspect of their rhythms, making their music enjoyable.

Literature

Stability and balance are common themes in literature, where characters often seek a steady life amidst chaos.
Authors use steady pacing in storytelling to build suspense and keep readers engaged.
Many poems convey a sense of steadiness, using rhythm and rhyme to evoke calm and tranquility.

Translations

Translations of the word "steady" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estável

🇮🇳 स्थिर (sthir)

🇩🇪 stabil

🇮🇩 stabil

🇺🇦 стабільний

🇵🇱 stabilny

🇯🇵 安定した (antei shita)

🇫🇷 stable

🇪🇸 estable

🇹🇷 dengeli

🇰🇷 안정된 (anjeongdoen)

🇸🇦 ثابت (thabit)

🇨🇿 stabilní

🇸🇰 stabilný

🇨🇳 稳定的 (wěndìng de)

🇸🇮 stabilen

🇮🇸 stöðugur

🇰🇿 тұрақты (tūraqty)

🇬🇪 სტაბილური (stabiluri)

🇦🇿 sabit

🇲🇽 estable

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,714, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2711 altogether
2712 wisdom
2713 occupation
2714 steady
2715 grace
2716 transactions
2717 admission
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