steadier; steadiest
1
a
: direct or sure in movement : unfaltering
a steady hand
b
: firm in position : fixed
held the pole steady
c
: keeping nearly upright in a seaway
a steady ship
2
3
: not easily disturbed or upset
steady nerves
4
a(1)
: constant in feeling, principle, purpose, or attachment
steady friends
(2)
—used to describe a lasting romantic relationship or the person with whom one has the relationship
a steady girlfriend/boyfriend
b
: dependable, reliable
a steady worker
c
: lasting or continuing in a dependable way
a steady job
does a steady business
5
: not given to dissipation : sober
steadied; steadying
: to make or keep steady
: to become steady
steadier
noun
1
: in a steady manner : steadily
2
: on the course set
—used as a direction to the helmsman of a ship
plural steadies
: one that is steady
specifically
: a boyfriend or girlfriend with whom one goes steady
Cite this Entry
“Steady.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steady. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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