adjective
steep
STEEP/stiːp/
Sloping sharply upward or downward.
A hiker stands at the base of a steep hillside.
Etymology
Old English steap described things as high, lofty, or projecting. The modern meaning emphasizes a sharp slope rather than height alone; this slope sense probably already existed in Old English.
In context
exposed camps on steep slopes are in constant danger of being struck by avalanche or rockfall
More examples
- The road gets steeper as it descends toward the river.
- Snow slides off the cabin's steep roof.
- That's a steep price for a used bicycle.
Forms
steep · steeper · steepest
steeply adverb — At a sharply rising or falling angle.
steepness noun — The degree to which something slopes sharply.
Similar words
- precipitous
- Emphasizes an extremely steep slope with a sudden drop.
- sheer
- Describes a nearly vertical slope, especially a cliff.