Steep Meaning

Steep

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. (Adjective) Having a sharp slope or incline, often referring to land or terrain.
2. (Adjective) Excessively high or extreme in terms of cost, price, or rate.
3. (Verb) To soak or immerse something in a liquid, typically for a period of time to extract flavor or soften.
4. (Verb) To undergo a process of steeping, as in cooking or preparing beverages.

History and Origin

The word “steep” comes from the Old English steap, meaning “high, lofty,” related to the Proto-Germanic staupaz, which referred to something elevated or slanted. It has been used since the 14th century to describe both physical inclines and the process of soaking or soaking something in liquid. Over time, it evolved to also include figurative meanings, such as a steep price.

Detailed Explanation

“Steep” is used in various contexts. As an adjective, it describes something that is sharply inclined, such as a hill or mountain. It can also be used to refer to something excessively high, like prices or rates that are considered unreasonable. As a verb, it means to soak or immerse something, especially food or tea, in hot water to extract flavor or prepare it for cooking. The word is versatile, applying to both physical geography and metaphorical situations.

Example Sentences

1. The hikers struggled to climb the steep mountain trail.
2. The cost of the concert tickets was so steep that she couldn’t afford them.
3. You need to steep the tea bags for five minutes for the best flavor.
4. The car had trouble going up the steep incline on the road.
5. The steep learning curve made the new software difficult to master.
6. The coffee beans need to steep in hot water for a few minutes to release their flavor.
7. The steep hill was dangerous to climb during the storm.
8. The steep rise in fuel prices has led to widespread protests.
9. I steeped the herbs in hot water to make a soothing tea.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Sharp – Steep in terms of an angle or incline, often sudden or pronounced.
2. Exorbitant – Refers to a price or cost that is excessively high or unreasonable.
3. Precipitous – A very steep incline, often used to describe cliffs or drops.
4. Intense – Used figuratively to describe something that is extreme or harsh, such as a steep challenge.
5. Soak – To immerse something in liquid, similar to the act of steeping.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Cliff – A steep face of rock or earth, often leading to a drop or descent.
2. Incline – A surface that has a slant or slope, similar to steep terrain.
3. Gradient – The degree of incline or slope, often used to describe steepness.
4. Slope – A surface that rises or falls at an angle, can be steep or gradual.
5. Ascend – To move upward, often in the context of a steep path or hill.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Vertical – Completely upright, similar to a steep incline that is almost perpendicular.
2. Mount – To ascend or climb, often used with steep surfaces or heights.
3. Precipice – A very steep cliff or drop.
4. Tough – Difficult, especially in situations that involve a steep challenge or obstacle.
5. Overcome – To succeed in something challenging, such as a steep difficulty.

Antonyms

1. Gentle
2. Shallow
3. Flat
4. Level
5. Mild