# steady

/ˈstɛdi/ (US) · /stˈɛdi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/steady
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. firm and not shaking

adjective · CEFR B1

firm and not shaking or moving.

For teachers: firm in standing or position; not tottering, shaking, or easily displaced.

- You need a steady hand to paint the fine details on the model.
- The photographer used a tripod to ensure the camera remained steady during the long exposure required for the night sky.

### 2. regular and consistent

adjective · CEFR B1

happening in a smooth, gradual, and regular way.

For teachers: developing, moving, or happening in a smooth, gradual, and regular manner without sudden changes.

- The company has seen a steady increase in sales over the last three years.
- Despite the economic downturn, the firm maintained a steady pace of production to meet its long-term contractual obligations.

### 3. calm and reliable

adjective · CEFR B2

calm and not easily upset or excited.

For teachers: not easily upset, excited, or disturbed; showing emotional stability and reliability.

- He is a steady person who stays calm even when things go wrong.
- The captain was known for his steady nerves, which allowed him to navigate the vessel through the storm without panic.

### 4. to make stable

verb · CEFR B2

to stop something from shaking or falling.

For teachers: to make something stable or to stop it from shaking or moving.

- She reached out to steady herself against the wall when the bus stopped suddenly.
- The central bank took immediate action to steady the markets after the unexpected election results caused a sharp currency drop.

### 5. romantic partner

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a regular boyfriend or girlfriend.

For teachers: a regular romantic partner with whom one has a committed relationship.

- He brought his steady to the high school dance.
- In the mid-twentieth century, the act of 'going steady' was a significant social milestone for teenagers in the United States.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'going steady' to describe a committed dating relationship.

Teaching tip: This sense is somewhat old-fashioned in American English; younger speakers are more likely to use 'partner' or 'significant other'.

### 6. at a constant rate

adverb · CEFR B2

in a way that is regular and does not change.

For teachers: in a continuous, regular, or habitual manner.

- The rain fell steady all afternoon, soaking the garden.
- The engine hummed steady throughout the night, providing a reassuring background noise for the crew on watch.

## Examples

- She brought her new steady to the family dinner.
- In the mid-20th century, it was common for teenagers to give their class ring to their steady as a sign of commitment.
- While the term has largely been replaced by more modern labels, it still evokes a specific era of courtship where having a steady implied a clear social contract.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.