What is steady? Pronunciation and usage in English

steady means . Learn how to pronounce and use steady through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of steady

steadyadjective

/ˈstɛdi/
Definition & pronunciation of steady

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "steady" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners!

Here's the breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈstedi (stress on the first syllable)

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. "st": This is pronounced like the "st" in "stop" - a brief, sharp "st" sound.
  2. "ed": This is pronounced like the "ed" in "bed" - a short, soft "d" sound.
  3. "i": This is pronounced like the "ee" in "see" - a long "ee" sound.

Putting it together: st-ed-i (almost like "st-ed-ee")

Important Notes & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "ste-dee": This is a very common mistake! It's unnecessary "e"s.
  • Avoid a "th" sound: It shouldn't sound like "thee-dee."
  • The emphasis (ˈ) indicates that the first syllable is stressed. You want to give it a little more weight and volume.

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Search: Just search "how to pronounce steady" on Google. You’ll get audio clips instantly.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/steady/ - This website lets you hear how native speakers pronounce the word in different accents.
  • YouTube: Search on YouTube for "how to pronounce steady" – many pronunciation guides exist.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What dialect of English are you interested in? (e.g., American English, British English) While the pronunciation I've given is generally accepted, there can be slight variations.

Usage and examples with the word steady in English

Let's break down how to use the word "steady" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown by category:

1. Physical Stability (Most Common)

  • Meaning: Firm, stable, not shaking or wavering.
  • Examples:
    • "He held the ladder steady while I climbed." (He kept it from moving.)
    • "The ship remained steady despite the rough seas." (It didn't rock or roll much.)
    • "She had to put down her cup to keep it steady." (Preventing it from spilling.)
    • "The ground felt steady under my feet." (Secure and stable)

2. Maintaining a State/Process (Feeling/Behavior)

  • Meaning: Calm, not easily disturbed; consistent; reliable. Often used to describe someone's mood or behavior.
  • Examples:
    • "He's a steady worker – always finishes his tasks on time." (Reliable and consistent)
    • "She’s a steady friend; you can always count on her." (Reliable and supportive)
    • "Try to stay steady during the exam." (Remain calm and focused)
    • "It’s important to have a steady income." (Reliable and predictable)
    • “She’s been struggling to maintain a steady diet.” (Consistent eating habits)

3. Smooth and Regular (Movement or Sound)

  • Meaning: Even, consistent, without interruptions.
  • Examples:
    • "The recording was steady and clear." (No dropouts or disturbances)
    • "He had a steady hand when taking photographs." (Not shaky, consistent)
    • “The rhythm was steady throughout the song.” (Regular and constant beat)

4. (Less Common) Gradual/Consistent Improvement

  • Meaning: Making progress slowly but surely.
  • Example:
    • “He was making steady progress with his recovery.” (Progressing at a consistent rate.)

5. (Slang - Primarily UK)

  • Meaning: Attractive, good-looking. (This is becoming more common but still more informal).
  • Example: "He’s a really steady bloke." (He's a really good-looking guy.) Note: this usage is more common in spoken English, especially in the UK.

Key Phrases to Remember:

  • Keep it steady: Maintain it, don’t let it move or change.
  • Steady hand: A hand that is not shaky.
  • Steady job: A reliable job.
  • Steady heartbeat: A regular heartbeat.

How to Choose the Right Meaning:

  • Context is crucial. Pay attention to the surrounding words to figure out which meaning is intended.
  • Consider the situation. Is someone talking about physical stability, emotional resilience, or something else?

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of a specific usage?
  • Explain how "steady" is used in a particular sentence?

Synonyms for the word steady

Idioms of the word steady

ready, steady, go!
what you say to tell people to start a race
    (as) steady as a rock
    extremely steady and calm; that you can rely on

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