steep

Rising or falling at a large angle, making climbing or walking difficult.

• The hill is steep.
• We climbed a steep path to the village.
• Be careful on those steep stairs.

Similar words: brant, hilly

Opposites: gentle

Common phrases: steep hill, steep slope, steep stairs

Costing much more money than you expect or want to pay.

• That price seems steep.
• They charge a steep fee for delivery.
• The rent was too steep for us.

Similar words: expensive, pricey

Opposites: cheap

Common phrases: steep price, steep rent, a steep fee

Tilted a long way from an upright position, especially a mast or vehicle window.

• The car has a steep windshield angle.
• A steep rake gives the mast a dramatic appearance.
• The designer chose a steep rake for the front window.

Common phrases: steep rake, steep windshield angle

To have a great deal of a particular quality, usually expressed as being filled with it.

• The village is steeped in tradition.
• Their love story was steeped in mystery.
• Every room seemed steeped in sadness.

How to use it: be steeped in something (The old castle is steeped in mystery.)

Similar words: be filled with, be rich in

Common phrases: steep in mystery, steep in tradition, steep in romance

To make a drink by leaving tea leaves or similar ingredients in water.

• Steep the tea for two minutes.
• She steeped fresh mint to make a warm drink.
• Do you steep green tea in boiling water?

How to use it: steep something in something (Steep the tea in hot water for three minutes.)

Similar words: brew, infuse

Common phrases: steep tea, steep the leaves

To leave something in liquid for a while so it softens or releases its flavour.

• Steep the dried fruit overnight.
• She steeped the herbs in hot water.
• How long should I steep these leaves?

How to use it: steep something in something (Steep the herbs in warm water.)

Similar words: soak

Common phrases: steep something in water, steep the herbs

To fill someone or something with a quality, or involve them deeply in a subject or tradition.

• The town is steeped in history.
• Her education steeped her in ancient philosophy.
• He steeped himself in the local culture.

How to use it: steep someone/something in something (Her parents steeped her in the music of their homeland.); be steeped in something (He is steeped in classical literature.)

Similar words: immerse, imbue

Common phrases: steep someone in something, steep in history

To stay in liquid for a while, becoming softer or giving it flavour.

• Let the leaves steep.
• The herbs steeped in warm water overnight.
• The tea is steeping while I prepare the cups.

How to use it: steep in something (The leaves steep in hot water for five minutes.)

Similar words: soak

Common phrases: steep in water, leave to steep