steep
/stiːp/
The word 'steep' has two main meanings: 1. Physical Inclination: Used to describe something that slopes sharply upwards or downwards, like a hill or a roof. For example, 'a steep hill'. 2. Immersion/Infusion: Used in cooking and drinks, meaning to soak ingredients (like tea leaves or herbs) in a liquid to extract flavor or properties. For example, 'let the tea steep'. It can also be used metaphorically to describe high prices or demands, implying they are excessively or unreasonably high. For example, 'The price is too steep.' When referring to physical slopes, 'steep' is an adjective. When referring to soaking ingredients, 'steep' is a verb.
💬Casual Conversation
Did you see the quote for that new design software? It's so steep.
Yeah, everything is these days. David probably won't care.
Collocations & Compounds
steep hill
A hill with a sharp incline.
We had to push the car up the steep hill.
steep climb
A climb that is very difficult due to a steep gradient.
The hike involved a steep climb through the mountains.
steep drop
A sudden and significant decrease or fall.
There was a steep drop in profits this quarter.
steep price
A price that is considered too high.
The restaurant charges a steep price for a simple meal.
steep angle
An angle that is sharp or acute.
The roof had a steep angle to allow snow to slide off.
Phrasal Verbs
steep in
To immerse something in a liquid, typically to extract flavor or soften it.
Leave the tea leaves to steep in hot water for a few minutes.
steep out
To remove something from a liquid after steeping.
Carefully steep out the herbs from the broth.
Idioms & Sayings
steep learning curve
A situation that is difficult to learn or understand at first.
Mastering this new software has a steep learning curve.
Cultural Context
The Steep Climb: How Mountaineers Conquer Extreme Altitudes
The word 'steep' immediately conjures images of challenging inclines, and nowhere is this more literal and awe-inspiring than in the world of high-altitude mountaineering.
When climbers speak of a 'steep' pitch, they aren't just referring to a gradient; they're describing a section of a mountain that demands exceptional skill, strength, and mental fortitude. These are the vertical or near-vertical faces that require technical climbing techniques, often involving ice axes, crampons, and ropes. The steeper the climb, the greater the physical exertion and the more precarious the situation. Muscles burn, lungs strain for oxygen in the thin air, and every movement must be deliberate and precise to avoid a catastrophic fall.
Beyond the physical challenge, the psychological aspect of a steep ascent is immense. The sheer drop below, the unforgiving exposure, and the constant threat of avalanches or rockfall create a mental battleground. Climbers must maintain focus, trust their gear, and rely on their training. The decision to push onward or turn back on a steep section is often one of the most critical in an expedition.
Consider the infamous 'Death Zone' above 8,000 meters on peaks like Everest. Here, the air is so thin that the human body cannot acclimatize and begins to deteriorate. Any ascent in this zone is a race against time, and even a slight increase in the steepness of the terrain can be the difference between survival and succumbing to the extreme conditions. The steep climb, therefore, becomes a metaphor for the ultimate test of human endurance against the raw power of nature.
Etymology
The word 'steep' comes from the Old English word 'stēap', meaning 'high, lofty, or precipitous'. It evolved from Proto-Germanic roots related to height and rising. Initially, it primarily described physical height or inclination, but over time, it developed metaphorical meanings related to intensity, cost, and immersion (as in steeping tea).