steep, abrupt, precipitous, sheer mean having an incline approaching the perpendicular. steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult.

There has been a steep increase / rise in prices. She scrambled up the steep hillside and over the rocks. There's a very steep slope just before you reach the top of the mountain. I had to climb a steep flight …

To undergo a soaking in liquid: Let the tea steep for five minutes. n. 1. a. The act or process of steeping.

Definition of steep adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. (comparative steeper, superlative steepest) (of a slope, hill, etc.) rising or falling quickly, not gradually. The path grew …

to soak in water or other liquid, as to soften, cleanse, or extract some constituent: to steep tea in boiling-hot water; to steep reeds for basket weaving. to wet thoroughly in or with a liquid;

Steep as a Rapid Change: Economics and Learning Curves Beyond physical slopes, “steep” frequently describes abstract concepts involving rapid or significant alteration. This metaphorical usage is …

noun A steep or precipitous place; an abrupt ascent or descent; a precipice. noun The process of steeping; the state of being steeped, soaked, or permeated: used chiefly in the phrase in steep.

Feb 21, 2026 · Noun steep (plural steeps) The steep side of a mountain etc.; a slope or acclivity.

Steep definition: Having a sharp inclination; precipitous.

Of a slope; set at a high angle " note the steep incline "; "a steep roof sheds snow " (of a cost) unreasonably high or excessive "The restaurant charged steep prices for basic dishes ";"; - …