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Steeply Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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steeply

[stiːpli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

manner of slope

Steeply refers to a sharp or abrupt incline or decline. It is often used to describe the angle of a slope, such as in geography or construction. In a broader context, it can also refer to prices that rise or fall quickly, as in economic discussions. The steepness can affect various factors, such as safety in travel or the availability of certain resources.

Synonyms

abruptly, precipitously, sharply, sharply.

Examples of usage

  • The hill rises steeply near the summit.
  • Prices rose steeply after the announcement.
  • He climbed the mountain steeply.
  • The road steeply descends into the valley.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Geography

  • Mountain slopes are often described as steeply sloped, indicating a challenging ascent for hikers.
  • In geology, steeply inclined strata can indicate tectonic activity or erosion processes.
  • Steeply carved valleys are often referred to as 'gorges', formed by fast-flowing rivers over time.

Mathematics

  • In mathematics, steepness is often measured by the slope of a line, where a steep slope indicates a rapid change.
  • Graphs depicting steeply rising lines indicate exponential growth or sharp increases over small intervals.
  • Calculus uses the concept of steepness to describe the rate of change in functions.

Economics

  • The term 'steeply' is often used to describe sudden price increases in markets, such as steeply rising gas prices.
  • Economic graphs that showcase steeply declining revenues indicate significant downturns in business performance.
  • Steeply rising interest rates can have a substantial impact on borrowing and spending behavior.

Physics

  • In physics, steeply inclined planes can significantly affect the motion of objects due to gravity’s pull.
  • Astronauts experience steeply changing gravitational forces when re-entering Earth’s atmosphere.
  • The concept of steeply angled trajectories is important in the study of projectile motion.

Origin of 'steeply'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated from the Old English 'stiþ', meaning strong or firm.
  • In Middle English, it evolved into 'steple' to describe something that has a high angle or incline.
  • The modern form, 'steep', took shape around the 14th century, reflecting sharp inclines.

The word 'steeply' is derived from the adjective 'steep', which has Old English origins. The term 'steep' can be traced back to the Old English 'stiþ', meaning firm or solid, which also took on meanings of intensity and steepness. The evolution of the word reflects changes in language and usage, especially in the context of describing inclines in both physical landscapes and metaphorical situations such as prices and trends. The adverbial form 'steeply' emerged to provide a means of expressing the manner in which actions are performed, particularly where a significant incline or significant change is present. Through its usage over centuries, 'steeply' has maintained a consistent connection to its roots, emphasizing the degree of an incline or the sharpness with which something occurs.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,657, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.