noun
steel
steel
noun
1
A strong, hard metal made from iron combined with carbon and other elements.
"The bridge was built with reinforced steel beams."
"She bought a set of steel kitchen knives."
2
Emotional toughness or determination.
"He showed real steel in facing the diagnosis."
verb
1
To mentally prepare oneself for something difficult.
"She steeled herself before delivering the bad news."
How to Use Steel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe tough metal alloy, or figuratively, mental toughness and resolve.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "steal" (to take without permission) — they sound identical but are unrelated.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
steel yourself
nerves of steel
stainless steel
Word Forms
steeled past tense, steels plural, steels singular
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Fill the Gap
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The bridge was built with reinforced _____ beams.
Etymology
From Old English stiele, related to a Germanic root meaning "to be firm or rigid."