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steadying

steadying

1 3.8
Makes a person or thing calmer and more stable
  • adjective
  • /ˈstɛdiɪŋ/
translation icon : calmante
  • The teacher provided a steadying influence that made the classroom atmosphere more relaxed.

I won't, I won't say, I won't say I think there's something admirable around trying to be mature and a steadying force here.

Examples

  • Taking a steadying breath, she calmed her nerves before the presentation.

  • I won't, I won't say, I won't say I think there's something admirable around trying to be mature and a steadying force here.

  • I won't, I won't say, I won't say I think there's something admirable around trying to be mature and a steadying force here.

  • His steadying presence helped her feel more confident during the meeting.

Synonyms

to balance
vssteadying
285 2.0

To keep something steady so it does not fall

includes that physical equilibrium but adds a calming influence on people
reassuring
vssteadying
78 3.1

Makes someone feel less worried and calmer

is more about calming effect combined with stabilizing situations
to stabilize
vssteadying
  • US
75 4.3

To become steady and stop changing

emphasizes calming people as well as bringing about stability
to steady
vssteadying
41 3.4

To make yourself or something stop moving

adds a soothing effect for people, not only physical firming
to hold steady
vssteadying
17 2.9

Keep something or someone in place and still

is about making things steadier and calming them, not just holding
calming
vssteadying
6 2.6

An action that makes someone less angry or upset

adds physical or situational firmness as well as emotional soothing
stabilizing
vssteadying
  • US
1 3.7

Making something steady and less likely to change suddenly

also reduces worry or agitation, not only preventing sudden change
stabilized
vssteadying
  • US
3.5

Made steady so it does not move or change easily

focuses on producing that effect while also soothing people
to steady the ship
vssteadying
6.1

To make a situation calm and stable during a difficult time

is similar but also aims to soothe people, not only restore order

Antonyms

To make something less stable, safe, or likely to succeed

52 1.8

A quick repeated movement back and forth or up and down that makes things tremble

How Stabilizing

to secure
347 3.3
stabilizing
  • US
1 3.7
steadying
1 3.8
calming
6 2.6

Surface Forms

steadying positive

Morphology

steadying = steady (transparent) = steady + ing

Productive present-participle/adjectival formation from the verb 'steady' meaning 'making stable', so the adjectival sense is directly derived.

Etymology

Steadying comes from steady, which means 'firm' or 'not moving'. That's why a steadying hand or voice helps someone feel calmer and more balanced.