Meaning of steep in English

1. Pronunciation

   /stip/

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1. Verb

   steep

   Etymology

   Middle English: of Germanic origin; related to stoup

   Definitions

   1. engross (oneself) fully

   Examples

   • « He immersed himself into his studies »
2. 2. let sit in a liquid to extract a flavor or to cleanse

   Examples

   • « steep the blossoms in oil »
   • « steep the fruit in alcohol »

3. Classifying Adjective

   steep

   Definitions

   1. greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation

   Examples

   • « exorbitant rent »
   • « extortionate prices »
   • « spends an outrageous amount on entertainment »
   • « usorious interest rate »
   • « unconscionable spending »

   Synonyms

   • immoderate
4. 2. of a slope

   Examples

   • « set at a high angle »
   • « note the steep incline »
   • « a steep roof sheds snow »

   Synonyms

   • high

5. Noun

   steep

   Definitions

   1. a steep place (as on a hill)

6. Qualitative Adjective

   steep

   Etymology

   Old English stēap ‘extending to a great height’, of West Germanic origin; related to steeple and stoop

   Definitions

   1. having a sharp inclination

   Examples

   • « the steep attic stairs »
   • « steep cliffs »

   Synonyms

   • abrupt
   • precipitous
   • sharp
   • bluff
   • bold
   • sheer
   • heavy
   • perpendicular
   • steepish

   Antonyms

   • gradual

See also

• vertical