steep

Everyday

1. Rising or falling sharply, like a slope that is hard to climb. tree →
2. A price that is much too high: "That's a bit steep!" tree →
3. A big change: "a steep rise in prices". tree →
4. As a verb, to soak something in liquid, like tea leaves in hot water. tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography, steep hills and slopes make things roll faster and are harder to climb; ramps can be steep or gentle. In maths graphs, a steep line shows something changing quickly. In safety, steep paths, cliffs and stairs need care and holding on. Phrases: steep hill, steep slope, steep stairs, steep climb, steep price.

Examples

• The hill was too steep to ride up. tree →
• Walk carefully down the steep path. tree →
• A steeper ramp makes the ball roll faster. tree →
• On the graph, the line gets steep when the temperature rises fast. tree →
• Ten dollars for a drink is a bit steep! tree →
• Steep the tea for three minutes. tree →
• Then they knocked at the door, which opened straight on to a steep staircase. tree →

Note

Comparatives: steeper, steepest. The opposite is "gentle" or "shallow". In maths, a steeper line on a graph means a bigger change for each step along. Safety: stay away from steep edges and cliffs, and hold handrails on steep stairs.

In Jewish tradition

In science and geography, steep hills and slopes make things roll faster and are harder to climb; ramps can be steep or gentle. In maths graphs, a steep line shows something changing quickly. In safety, steep paths, cliffs and stairs need care and holding on. Phrases: steep hill, steep slope, steep stairs, steep climb, steep price.

Examples

• And the mountains shall be molten under Him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, as waters that are poured down a steep place. (Prophets MIC.1.4, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Comparatives: steeper, steepest. The opposite is "gentle" or "shallow". In maths, a steeper line on a graph means a bigger change for each step along. Safety: stay away from steep edges and cliffs, and hold handrails on steep stairs.