English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

adj B2 Upper-Intermediate

steely

STEE-lee

Steely (adj) means Cold, hard, and unyielding in manner or determination. Example: “She fixed him with a steely gaze.”

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adj

1

Cold, hard, and unyielding in manner or determination.

"She fixed him with a steely gaze."

"His steely resolve carried the team through the final round."

How to use steely

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHard, cold, and resolute — like steel in character or expression.

Common pairings

steely gaze steely resolve steely determination

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

steelier comparative, Steelys plural, steeliest superlative

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She fixed him with a _____ gaze.

Etymology

Formed from steel + -y.

Rhymes for steely

rely comely lonely timely lovely homely widely lively lately rarely barely likely

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Frequently asked questions

What does “steely” mean?

The word “steely” means cold, hard, and unyielding in manner or determination. In plain terms, hard, cold, and resolute — like steel in character or expression.

How do you pronounce “steely”?

“Steely” is pronounced STEE-lee (/ˈstiːli/ in IPA).

How do you use “steely” in a sentence?

Here is “steely” used in a sentence: “She fixed him with a steely gaze.”

What part of speech is “steely”?

“Steely” is an adjective.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial