steep Meaning & Definition
What Does Steep Mean?
As an adjective, steep means Of a near-vertical gradient; of a slope, surface, curve, etc. that proceeds upward or downward at an angle approaching vertical. It can also mean Expensive. As a noun, it means The steep side of a mountain etc.; a slope or acclivity. As a verb, it means To soak or wet thoroughly.
Steep at a Glance
| Part of speech | adjective, noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /stiːp/ |
| Synonyms | sharp, heavy and exorbitant |
| Antonyms | gradual |
| Plural | steeps |
| Comparative / superlative | steeper, steepest |
| Verb forms | steeps, steeping, steeped |
Steep Definition (Adjective)
- Of a near-vertical gradient; of a slope, surface, curve, etc. that proceeds upward or downward at an angle approaching vertical.
a steep hill or mountain; a steep roof; a steep ascent; a steep barometric gradient
- Expensive.
Twenty quid for a shave? That's a bit steep.
- Difficult to access; not easy reached; lofty; elevated; high.
- resulting in a mast or windshield angle that strongly diverges from the perpendicular.
The steep rake of the windshield enhances the fast lines of the exterior.
Steep as a Noun
- The steep side of a mountain etc.; a slope or acclivity.
Steep as a Verb
- To soak or wet thoroughly.
They steep skins in a tanning solution to create leather.
- To make tea (or other beverages) by soaking leaves in water, which flavors the water.
- To imbue with something; to immerse deeply in.
a town steeped in history
Noun
- A liquid used in a steeping process
Corn steep has many industrial uses.
- A rennet bag.
Adjective
- Of a near-vertical gradient; of a slope, surface, curve, etc. that proceeds upward at an angle near vertical.
a steep hill or mountain; a steep roof; a steep ascent; a steep barometric gradient
- (of the rake of a ship's mast, or a car's windshield) resulting in a mast or windshield angle that strongly diverges from the perpendicular
The steep rake of the windshield enhances the fast lines of the exterior. http//legacy.sandiegouniontribune.com/uniontrib/20070303/news_lz1dd3maynard.html
Verb
- (middle voice) To soak or wet thoroughly.
The tea is steeping.
- To imbue with something; to be deeply immersed in.
The learned of the nation were steeped in Latin.
Synonyms of Steep
Antonyms of Steep
Steep in a Sentence
a steep hill or mountain; a steep roof; a steep ascent; a steep barometric gradient
Twenty quid for a shave? That's a bit steep.
The steep rake of the windshield enhances the fast lines of the exterior.
They steep skins in a tanning solution to create leather.
The tea is steeping.
a town steeped in history
Corn steep has many industrial uses.
The steep rake of the windshield enhances the fast lines of the exterior. http//legacy.sandiegouniontribune.com/uniontrib/20070303/news_lz1dd3maynard.html
The learned of the nation were steeped in Latin.
Word Forms & Grammar
steep (comparative steeper, superlative steepest)
steep (plural steeps)
steep (third-person singular simple present steeps, present participle steeping, simple past and past participle steeped)
steep (countable and uncountable, plural steeps)
Words That Rhyme With Steep
Origin of Steep
Origin 1: From Middle English steep, from Old English stēap (“high”), from Proto-Germanic *staupaz, from Proto-Indo-European *(s)tewp- (“to push, stick”).[1]
Origin 2: Compare Old Frisian stāp ("high, towering"; > Modern Saterland Frisian stiep (“steep”)), Dutch stoop (“grand; proud”), Middle High German stouf (“towering cliff, precipice”), Middle High German stief (“steep”)). The Proto-Indo-European root (and related) has many and varied descendants, including English stub; compare also Scots stap (“to strike, to forcibly insert”).
Origin 3: The sense of “sharp slope” is attested circa 1200; the sense “expensive” is attested US 1856.[1]
Origin 4: From Middle English stepen, from Old Norse steypa (“to make stoop, cast down, pour out, cast (metal)”),[2][3] from Proto-Germanic *staupijaną (“to tumble, make tumble, plunge”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)tewb- (“to push, hit”). Cognate with Danish støbe (“cast (metal)”), Norwegian støpe, støype, Swedish stöpa (“to found, cast (metal)”), Old English stūpian (“to stoop, bend the back, slope”). Related to stoop.
Common Questions About Steep
Is steep an adjective or a noun?
Steep is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun and a verb.
What is another word for steep?
Words with a similar meaning to steep include sharp, heavy and exorbitant. See the full list of steep synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of steep?
The opposite of steep is gradual.
What is the plural of steep?
The plural of steep is steeps.
What is the past tense of steep?
The past tense of steep is steeped. The present participle is steeping.