Steepen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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steepen
[ˈstiːpən ]
Definition
increase slope
To steepen means to make something steeper or more inclined. This term is often used in various contexts such as geography, where it describes the angle of a slope, or in discussions about the steepness of stairs or ramps. The process of steepening can also refer to intensifying a situation or experience. In an educational context, steepening might refer to increasing the difficulty level of material or challenges presented to students.
Synonyms
heighten, incline, raise, tighten.
Examples of usage
- The hill steepens as you climb higher.
- The teacher decided to steepen the math problems for her advanced students.
- After the rain, the trail steepened dramatically.
- They had to steepen the ramp to accommodate the new accessibility requirements.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Geography
- Mountain ranges often steepen as tectonic plates collide, causing land to rise dramatically.
- Rivers can steepen their gradients, creating waterfalls as they quickly drop in elevation.
Sports
- In sports like skiing, a course may steepen to challenge athletes, requiring advanced skills.
- Hill climbing and mountain biking often involve steepening angles that test endurance and technique.
Mathematics
- In graphs, a steeper line indicates a larger rate of change, affecting interpretations of data.
- Calculating slope uses the concept of steepness – the larger the slope, the steeper the line.
Cultural References
- In literature, a character’s journey may steepen as they face greater challenges, symbolizing growth.
- Movies often show physical steepening in chase scenes to heighten tension and excitement.
Origin of 'steepen'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'stīepian', meaning to become steep.
- In Middle English, it was used to describe an increase in slope or angle.
The word 'steepen' originates from the Old English word 'stæpen', which is a derivative of 'steap', meaning 'steep'. The term has evolved through Middle English, where it was used to describe making something more steep or acute. Over time, 'steepen' has retained a consistent meaning related to increasing the steepness of an angle or surface. The word is related to the concept of steepness in geography and topography, reflecting changes in elevation in various natural landscapes. The evolution of 'steepen' illustrates how language adapts to describe physical changes in the environment and human experiences through metaphors and literal interpretations.