Main Entry: ¹steady

Pronunciation: \ˈste-dē\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): steadi·er; steadi·est

Etymology: Middle English stedy, from stede

Date: 14th century

1 a : direct or sure in movement : unfaltering <a steady hand> b : firm in position : fixed <held the pole steady> c : keeping nearly upright in a seaway <a steady ship>
2 : showing little variation or fluctuation : stable, uniform <a steady breeze> <steady prices>
3 a : not easily disturbed or upset <steady nerves> b (1) : constant in feeling, principle, purpose, or attachment <steady friends> (2) : dependable c : not given to dissipation : sober

— steadi·ly \ˈste-d^əl-ē\ adverb

— steadi·ness \ˈste-dē-nəs\ noun

synonyms steady, even, equable mean not varying throughout a course or extent. steady implies lack of fluctuation or interruption of movement <steady progress>. even suggests a lack of variation in quality or character <an even distribution>. equable implies lack of extremes or of sudden sharp changes <maintain an equable temper>.