steady

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   not easily excited or upset

   steady nerves

2. 2
   adj

   not subject to change or variation especially in behavior

   a steady beat

3. 3
   verb

   make steady

   steady yourself

4. 4
   adj

   Firm in standing or position; not tottering or shaking; fixed; firm.

   Hold the ladder steady while I go up.

5. 5
   adj

   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

6. 6
   adj

   Smooth and not bumpy or with obstructions.

   a steady ride

7. 7
   adj

   Phlegmatic, calm; not easily upset, excited, or disturbed.

   a steady tone of voice

8. 8
   adj

   Regular and even.

   the steady course of the Sun;  a steady breeze of wind

Etymology

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”).