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Added 9 October 2026

steep

/stiːp/ adjective

In Latin: praeceps, arduus, praeruptus Wiktionary

adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about steep at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Of a near-vertical gradient; of a slope, surface, curve, etc. that proceeds upward or downward at an angle approaching vertical.
a steep hill or mountain; a steep roof; a steep ascent; a steep barometric gradient
Expensive.
Twenty quid for a shave? That's a bit steep.
Difficult to access; not easy reached; lofty; elevated; high.

noun

The steep side of a mountain etc.; a slope or acclivity.

verb

To soak or wet thoroughly.
They steep skins in a tanning solution to create leather.
To make tea (or other beverages) by soaking leaves in water, which flavors the water.
To imbue with something; to immerse deeply in.
a town steeped in history

noun

A liquid used in a steeping process
Corn steep has many industrial uses.
A rennet bag.

Origin

From Middle English steep, from Old English stēap (“high”), from Proto-Germanic *staupaz, from Proto-Indo-European *(s)tewp- (“to push, stick”). Compare Old Frisian stāp ("high, towering"; > Modern Saterland Frisian stiep (“steep”)), Dutch stoop (“grand; proud”), Middle High German stouf (“towering cliff, precipice”), Middle High German stief (“steep”)). The Proto-Indo-European root (and related) has many and varied descendants, including English stub; compare also Scots stap (“to strike, to forcibly insert”). The sense of “sharp slope” is attested circa 1200; the sense “expensive” is attested US 1856.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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