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steep
/stiːp/
The primary image is one of a sharp, abrupt angle that defies easy ascent. While "sharp" describes the edge or the turn, "steep" focuses on the exertion required to overcome the verticality. In financial contexts, it carries a negative connotation of excess. A "steep price" feels unfair or aggressively high, suggesting a barrier to entry similar to a physical cliff. When applied to learning (e.g., a "steep learning curve"), it paradoxically describes a situation where a vast amount of information must be absorbed in a very short time, creating a feeling of being overwhelmed.
💬Conversación Casual
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.
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).