steely

Everyday

1. Made of steel, or grey and shiny like steel. tree →
2. Hard, strong and determined; not showing soft feelings: «a steely stare», «steely determination». tree →

In the lessons

In stories, steely eyes or a steely voice show that a character is tough, cold or very determined — like a strict teacher or a hero who will not give up. In art and description, «steely grey» is a cold blue-grey colour of sky or sea.

Examples

• She gave him a steely look and he stopped talking. tree →
• The sky was a steely grey before the storm. tree →
• With steely determination, she finished the race. tree →
• The captain spoke in a steely voice. tree →
• Badger had a steely glint in his eye before the battle. tree →
• The sea looked steely and cold. tree →
• “Cecco,” he said in his most steely voice, “go back and fetch me out that doodle-doo.” tree →

Note

Comparisons steelier, steeliest. Steely is usually about people's looks, voices and wills, or about colour.