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steely

steely

20 5.5
Being very determined and not showing fear
  • adjective
  • /ˈstiːli/
translation icon : firme
  • Despite the challenges she faced, she maintained a steely determination to succeed.
  • steely-eyed

And of course, he was forged in the steely cauldron of New Jersey.

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Examples

  • But when Joe tried to tell her of Dolph's new duties, her response was a steely silence.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • I have steely focus.

  • His eyes were steely gray, very cold.

  • Boy, this judge would have to have a very steely spine to do that.

  • I imagined a steely look on your face and closed my eyes again.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • As I stepped out into the steely slap of winter, I promised myself it was over.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • I mean I knew you were talented, but I had no idea that under that shy, sweet exterior was such steely confidence!

  • Poland's steely collective will to succeed has paid off.

  • The Hudson River was visible from the Ridge, reflecting a steely blue on even overcast days.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • "You," he impaled the Watcher with a steely glare, "tell me more of your world."

    Blog text (30)

Synonyms

tough
vssteely
250 1.7

Strong and able to resist damage or rough use

is more about firm, determined character rather than physical durability or strength
gritty
vssteely
41 5.5

Brave and determined when things are difficult or dangerous

is a colder, harder type of resolve rather than brave persistence
strong-willed
vssteely
19 4.3

A person who decides to do something and does not change their mind

is tougher and more hard edged in tone than firm will
steely-eyed
vssteely
2 7.7

Having a firm, determined look in the eyes

is an inner hard and resolute quality not only a visible look
steely-spined
vssteely
8.1

Being brave and calm under pressure

is a broader hard and determined quality not only pressure tested
steely-nerved
vssteely
8.3

Very calm and brave in dangerous or difficult situations

is a general hard resolve rather than emphasis on calm self control

Antonyms

552 1.0

Easily pressed when you touch it

524 1.0

Not strong in body or muscles and easily tired

Compounds

Being brave and calm under pressure

Strong, steady attention that shows determination

How Determined

unyielding
10 6.5
steely
20 5.5
resolute
1 4.8
determined
399 2.5
firm
28 1.0

Surface Forms

steely positive
steelier comparative
steelest superlative

Morphology

steely = steel (semi-transparent) = steel + y

The suffix '-y' indicates having the quality of 'steel', but the metaphorical extension to qualities like 'determined' or 'tough' is not entirely transparent.

Etymology

The word steely comes from the strong metal steel, so it describes someone or something like 'steel' — 'hard', 'strong', and 'determined'. Think of a person with 'nerves of steel' who does not show weakness.