steady

Firmly held or positioned, without shaking or being likely to fall.

• Keep the ladder steady.
• His hands were steady as he poured the tea.
• Is the camera steady enough for a clear picture?

How to use it: steady on your feet (She was not yet steady on her feet after the operation.)

Similar words: stable, firm, secure

Opposites: unsteady, shaky

Common phrases: hold something steady, steady hand, keep something steady, steady on your feet

Keeping the same feelings, beliefs, or purpose and not easily being persuaded to change.

• His commitment remained steady.
• She was steady in her purpose despite the criticism.
• Their steady devotion to the cause lasted for decades.

How to use it: steady in something (She remained steady in her belief that everyone deserved fair treatment.)

Similar words: steadfast, resolute, unwavering, constant

Opposites: fickle, wavering

Common phrases: steady in purpose, steady in something, steady commitment, steady devotion

Moving smoothly without bumps or sudden movements.

• We enjoyed a steady ride.
• The boat's steady motion helped me relax.
• It was a steady flight with hardly any bumps.

Similar words: smooth, even

Opposites: bumpy, jerky

Common phrases: steady ride, steady journey, steady flight

Moving or happening at a slow, unhurried speed.

• We took a steady walk home.
• Keep a steady pace; there is no need to hurry.
• They made steady progress, taking time to check each step.

Similar words: slow, unhurried

Opposites: fast, hurried

Common phrases: steady pace, steady walk, steady progress

To hold or support something so that it stops shaking or does not fall.

• Please steady the ladder.
• She steadied the camera with both hands.
• He grabbed my arm to steady himself.

How to use it: steady yourself against/on something (He steadied himself against the wall.)

Similar words: stabilize, support

Opposites: destabilize

Common phrases: steady the ladder, steady yourself, steady someone's hand, steady something

Used before an action to show that someone keeps doing it, often with strong effort or intensity.

• He steady talking during the movie.
• They steady trying to get that door open.
• Why you steady calling me while I'm at work?

How to use it: steady + verb-ing (She steady working to help her family.)

Common phrases: steady working, steady talking, steady trying, steady complaining