Meaning of steep in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions
  3. Classifying Adjective
    1. Definitions
  4. Noun
    1. Definitions
  5. Qualitative Adjective
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /stip/

    US accent Play button

    UK accent Play button

  1. Verb

    steep

    Etymology

    Middle English: of Germanic origin; related to stoup

    Definitions

    1. engross (oneself) fully

    Examples

    • « He immersed himself into his studies »

    Derived terms

  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 »

    Derived terms

  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

  4. 2. of a slope

    Examples

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

    Synonyms

  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

    Antonyms

Famous quotes

  • « Before, it was just about making the films - and now it's releasing them. Which is a steep learning curve. »
    Jessica Chastain
  • « We are really living the American dream, to be a successful brand in the States and in Europe and to steep ourselves in our heritage. But we do it with a sense of humor. We don't take ourselves too seriously in fashion. »
    Tommy Hilfiger
  • « You can almost see voters nodding their heads at home: The public's faith in politicians and political institutions has been on a steep and dangerous decline for decades, because elected leaders fail to deliver. »
    Ron Fournier
  • « Remember when life's path is steep to keep your mind even. »
    Horace
  • « The problem for me is that I've never actually studied photography, so it's quite a steep learning curve. Cameras these days do so much for you automatically but I still think there's a point where you should actually know the technical side. »
    Graeme Le Saux

See also

Browse dictionary