steep

/sti:p/

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The word "steep" can be used both as an adjective and a verb, and it has different meanings depending on the context. Let's break it down:

As an Adjective:

1. Meaning: When we say something is "steep," we are often describing a slope or incline that is very sharp or at a high angle. For example, think of a hill that is hard to climb because it goes up very quickly.

   • Example: "The hikers struggled to climb the steep hill."

2. Exceeding Bounds: "Steep" can also describe prices or costs that are unreasonably high.

   • Example: "The restaurant charged steep prices for its meals."

As a Noun:

• Meaning: A "steep" refers to a place that has a sharp incline, like a hill or cliff.
  • Example: "The steep of the mountain was difficult to navigate."

As a Verb:

1. Meaning: To "steep" something means to let it sit in a liquid so that it can absorb flavor or so that something can be cleaned. This is often used in cooking or preparing drinks.

   • Example: "You should steep the tea leaves in hot water to get the best flavor."

2. Devote Fully: It can also mean to immerse oneself completely in something, like a study or a hobby.

   • Example: "He steeped himself in the world of literature."

Advanced Usage:

• In academic or professional contexts, "steep" can describe a learning curve that is challenging.
  • Example: "The steep learning curve of the new software made it difficult for the team to adapt quickly."

Word Variants:

• Steepness (noun): This refers to the quality of being steep.
  • Example: "The steepness of the hill made it hard to ride a bike."
• Steeped (adjective/verb): Past participle of steep, meaning something has been soaked or immersed.
  • Example: "The steeped tea had a rich flavor."

Different Meanings:

• Steep as in "high angle" (physical steep).
• Steep as in "excessively high price" (figurative steep).
• Steep as in "to soak or immerse" (action steep).

Synonyms:

• For "steep" (adjective): sharp, abrupt, sheer.
• For "steep" (verb): soak, immerse, infuse.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Steeped in: This phrase means to be fully immersed or surrounded by a particular quality or influence.
  • Example: "The town is steeped in history."
• Steep something in: To immerse something in a particular environment or context.
  • Example: "She steeped her presentation in research to make it credible."

Conclusion:

Understanding the word "steep" involves recognizing its different uses and meanings. It can describe angles, costs, actions, and immersion in activities or concepts.

Academic

Adjective

1. of a slope; set at a high angle
   • note the steep incline
   • a steep roof sheds snow
2. greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation
   • exorbitant rent
   • extortionate prices
   • spends an outrageous amount on entertainment
   • usurious interest rate
   • unconscionable spending
3. having a sharp inclination
   • the steep attic stairs
   • steep cliffs

Noun

1. a steep place (as on a hill)

Verb

1. let sit in a liquid to extract a flavor or to cleanse
   • steep the blossoms in oil
   • steep the fruit in alcohol
2. devote (oneself) fully to
   • He immersed himself into his studies

Synonyms

• exorbitant
• extortionate
• outrageous
• unconscionable
• usurious
• infuse
• immerse
• engulf
• plunge
• engross
• absorb
• soak up