ˈstedɪ adj.,
v., adv.,
int., & n. --adj. (steadier, steadiest) 1 firmly fixed or supported or
standing or balanced;
not tottering, rocking, or wavering. 2
done or operating or
happening in a
uniform and regular manner (a steady pace; a steady increase). 3 a
constant in
mind or
conduct; not
changeable. b
persistent. 4 (of a person)
serious and
dependable in
behaviour; of
industrious and
temperate habits;
safe;
cautious. 5 regular, established (a steady girlfriend). 6 accurately directed; not faltering (a steady
hand; a steady eye). 7 (of a ship) on
course and
upright. --v.tr. & intr. (-ies, -ied)
make or
become steady (steady
the boat). --adv. steadily (hold it steady). --int. as a
command or
warning to
take care. --n. (pl. -ies) colloq. a regular
boyfriend or
girlfriend. øgo steady (often foll. by with) colloq.
have as a regular boyfriend or girlfriend. steady down become steady. steady-going
staid;
sober. steady on! a
call to take care. steady
state an
unvarying condition,
esp. in a
physical process, e.g. of the
universe having no
beginning and no
end. øøsteadier n. steadily adv. steadiness n. [STEAD =
place, + -Y(1)]
