steadily
Steadily (adv) means in a consistent, even, and gradually progressing manner. Example: “The company's profits have grown steadily over the past decade.”
How to Use Steadily
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing something at a constant, reliable pace rather than in fits and starts.
Word Forms
more steadily comparative, most steadily superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company's profits have grown _____ over the past decade.
Etymology
Formed from steady + the adverb suffix -ly.
Related Words
Rhymes for steadily
See all rhymes for steadily →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “steadily” mean?
The word “steadily” means in a consistent, even, and gradually progressing manner. In plain terms, doing something at a constant, reliable pace rather than in fits and starts.
How do you pronounce “steadily”?
“Steadily” is pronounced STEH-dih-lee (/ˈstɛdɪli/ in IPA).
How do you use “steadily” in a sentence?
Here is “steadily” used in a sentence: “The company's profits have grown steadily over the past decade.”
What part of speech is “steadily”?
“Steadily” is an adverb.
Is “steadily” a common word?
“Steadily” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between steadily and quickly?
Steadily describes a consistent, even, and gradually progressing pace, while quickly emphasizes speed without implying evenness. Something can increase steadily but slowly, or quickly but erratically; steadily is about consistency, not velocity.
What is a common collocation with steadily?
Steadily frequently pairs with verbs of change, such as "rising steadily," "growing steadily," "declining steadily," or "improving steadily," all emphasizing a smooth, uninterrupted trend.
Is steadily used more for physical actions or for trends and statistics?
Steadily is used for both: it can describe a physical action, like walking steadily, or an abstract trend, like a steadily rising economy, always highlighting consistency over the described period.