Steadily Meaning

UK /ˈstɛdɪli/
US /ˈstɛdəli/
Word Definition
steadily meaning

Steadily Definition & Usage

adverb

In a consistent, regular, or unchanging manner, often implying steady progress or direction.

Examples

  • "She worked steadily throughout the day, completing every task on time."
  • "The population has been growing steadily for the last decade."
  • "He increased the pressure on the lever steadily until it reached the required level."
  • "Her health improved steadily after the treatment began."
  • "The ship advanced steadily across the open sea, guided by the stars."
adverb

In a calm and controlled manner, without abrupt movements.

Examples

  • "The dog walked steadily beside its owner on the leash."
  • "He moved steadily toward the door, avoiding any sudden steps."
  • "She held the bike steadily, ready to start the race."
  • "The runner's breath came steadily as she paced herself for the long marathon."
  • "The teacher asked the students to write steadily without rushing through their work."

Cultural Context

The word 'steadily' comes from the Old French word 'estedi,' meaning 'stable' or 'fixed.' It has retained this meaning of consistency and reliability over centuries, and it continues to be widely used in both formal and informal contexts. In modern English, it often conveys a sense of perseverance and stable progress, both in literal and figurative senses.

The Steady Climb

Story

The Steady Climb

As the sun began to rise over the distant peaks, Clara tied her boots with deliberate care. She knew the path ahead was long and challenging, but she had learned to pace herself. Her hiking guide, Mr. Holmes, had always told her: 'Climb steadily, and you'll make it to the summit.' He often emphasized that it was not the fastest or the strongest who reached the top, but those who persisted steadily, step by step. Clara began the ascent, her breath coming in steady intervals, matching the rhythm of her footsteps. The trail was rocky, with uneven surfaces and sharp turns, but she felt a calm assurance. Her body moved steadily, not rushing, but always progressing forward. She noticed how the wind seemed to carry a cool, steady breeze, whispering encouragement through the trees. A few hours into the hike, Clara took a break, enjoying a simple snack while looking out at the view. Mr. Holmes joined her, smiling. 'You're doing well. Keep it steady, and you'll reach the summit before sunset.' He leaned against a boulder, taking a moment to catch his breath, his pace steady as always. After another few hours, Clara reached the top. The sense of achievement was overwhelming, not from speed, but from the steady, unhurried pace she had maintained all along. As she stood at the summit, looking over the vast expanse of land below, Clara understood the deeper meaning behind Mr. Holmes's advice: 'It’s not about rushing to the top; it’s about enjoying each steady step along the way.' The climb had been a perfect metaphor for life itself—slow, deliberate, and steady progress was often the key to success. In the end, it wasn’t just the summit that mattered, but how she had climbed steadily, with patience and purpose.

The Steady Climb