Added 9 October 2026
steady
/ˈstɛdi/ adjective
In Latin: stabilis Wiktionary
adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about steady at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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Firm in standing or position; not tottering or shaking; fixed; firm.
Hold the ladder steady while I go up.
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Constant in feeling, purpose, or pursuit; not fickle, changeable, or wavering; not easily moved or persuaded to alter a purpose; resolute.
a man steady in his principles, in his purpose, or in the pursuit of an object
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Smooth and not bumpy or with obstructions.
a steady ride
verb
particle
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Aspect marker indicating consistency or intensity.
Why you steady cappin'?
noun
Origin
From Middle English stedy, studi, stidiȝ, perhaps continuing Old English stæþþiġ, ġestæþþiġ (“steadfast, stable, firm, staid”), equivalent to stead + -y; or calquing Middle Low German or Middle Dutch stēdig. Cognate with Saterland Frisian stoadig (“steady”), West Frisian stadich (“slow”), Danish stedig, stadig, steeg, Swedish stadig, Icelandic stöðugur, German stätig, stetig. Compare also Old English ġestedegian (“to bring to a standstill”) and Dutch steeds (“more and more”). Adjective sense 8 is a semantic loan from Singapore Hokkien 在 (chāi, “confident, skilled”, literally “steady”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)