Word
steadily
Phoneticssteadi·ly
US/ˈstɛdəɫi/
UK/stˈɛdɪli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. happening in a smooth, gradual, and regular way without stopping. You use this to describe a change that stays at the same speed or level over time.
adv. in a regular, even, and continuous manner. Describes a process or movement that maintains a consistent pace or intensity without sudden fluctuations.
Examples
“The rain fell steadily all afternoon.”
“The company's profits have grown steadily over the last five years thanks to a loyal customer base.”
“Despite the initial volatility of the market, the value of the currency began to rise steadily as investor confidence returned following the central bank's announcement.”
Examples
simple
“The rain fell steadily all afternoon.”
contextual
“The company's profits have grown steadily over the last five years thanks to a loyal customer base.”
complex
“Despite the initial volatility of the market, the value of the currency began to rise steadily as investor confidence returned following the central bank's announcement.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “steadily” in context.
Verb
01. steadily increase
“The number of tourists visiting the island has continued to steadily increase over the last decade.”
adv + verb
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.
Pitfall
The prices steadily are increasing
The prices are increasing steadily
Adverbs of manner like 'steadily' usually follow the main verb or the object rather than sitting between the subject and the auxiliary verb.
Real-World Examples
“Instead of producing similar flares on each return, they become steadily fainter.” “In the midst of all that the 43-year-old folk icon was steadily working on building a beach home out on the far end of Long Island.” Etymology
From steady + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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