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Steep Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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steep

[stiːp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

slope

having a sharp inclination

Synonyms

precipitous, sheer, vertical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
steep

Describes a slope that rises or falls sharply. Commonly used in casual conversation, hiking, or describing prices.

  • The trail is too steep for beginners.
  • The steep increase in rent has made living here unaffordable.
precipitous

Used in more formal or dramatic contexts to describe a very steep or sudden drop. Often found in literature or academic writing.

  • They carefully navigated the precipitous path down the mountain.
  • The precipitous decline in stocks left many investors worried.
sheer

Typically describes a very steep or almost vertical surface. Can also refer to something that is complete or absolute. In physical descriptions, it often adds a sense of extreme sharpness.

  • The climbers faced a sheer rock face.
  • Her success was a result of sheer determination.
vertical

Specifically describes something aligned along an up-and-down axis, fully perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Commonly used in technical descriptions or in geometry.

  • The ladder must be placed in a vertical position against the wall.
  • A tree grows in a vertical direction.

Examples of usage

  • The mountain had steep cliffs on all sides.
  • The stairs were too steep for the elderly woman to climb.
Context #2 | Verb

price

to set the price of something at an unreasonably high level

Synonyms

hike, increase, raise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
steep

Used to describe a sharp rise or incline, often in prices, costs, or terrain. It implies a sudden or significant change.

  • The cost of living has seen a steep increase this year
  • The hill was too steep to climb easily
increase

A general term for any rise in quantity, size, value, or degree. It is neutral and can apply to various scenarios.

  • The increase in demand led to higher prices
  • The population has been steadily increasing over the past decade
raise

Often used in the context of salaries, funds, or any situation where an uplift is involved. It is neutral and also means to lift something.

  • The company decided to raise salaries by 5% this year
  • Please raise your hand if you have a question
hike

Refers to a sudden or substantial increase, typically in prices or rates. It can also mean a long walk in nature.

  • The company announced a sudden hike in subscription fees
  • They went for a hike in the mountains over the weekend

Examples of usage

  • The landlord decided to steeply raise the rent for the apartment.
  • The company steeped the cost of their products to maximize profits.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Geography

  • Steep terrains are challenging for human activities, impacting farming and habitation patterns.
  • The steepness of mountains can affect weather patterns, leading to unique ecosystems in different elevations.
  • Places with steep slopes, like the Himalayas, are sometimes prone to landslides and other geological activities.

Entertainment

  • In video games, steep slopes can affect gameplay, such as in racing games where steep hills challenge players.
  • The popular snowboarding video game series 'Steep' celebrates the thrill of steep slopes and extreme sports.
  • Action movies often feature dramatic scenes where characters navigate dangerously steep cliffs.

Science

  • In chemistry, steep curves on a graph can indicate rapid changes, like reaction rates increasing quickly.
  • The steepness of a line on a graph reflects the rate of change; a steep line means a rapid increase or decrease.
  • In physics, steep angles on ramps affect how fast objects slide down due to gravity and friction.

Culture

  • In some cultures, steep hills represent challenges to overcome, often seen in stories and songs.
  • Steep parts of landscapes are often depicted in art, symbolizing obstacles or journeys.
  • Traditional sports like skiing take advantage of steep areas, contributing to cultural ties with mountainous regions.

Origin of 'steep'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'stēap,' which means tall or lofty, describing something that rises steeply.
  • In Middle English, 'steep' also described water that was deep, often indicating a sudden drop.
  • The term has been used in various contexts, from describing geography to cooking processes, showing its versatility in the language.

The word 'steep' originated from the Old English word 'stēap', which meant high or lofty. Over time, it evolved to refer to a sharp incline or a high price. The adjective form of 'steep' has been used since the 14th century to describe a slope, while the verb form emerged in the 16th century in the context of pricing.

See also: steeping, steeple.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,987, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.