steep
steep — adjective
1. used to describe a slope or surface that rises or falls suddenly, making it phys
used to describe a slope or surface that rises or falls suddenly, making it physically challenging to walk, climb, or travel on.
Liang struggled to cycle up the steep road that led into the hills.
collocation: steep road / steep hill / steep path
A steep set of stone steps connected the old town to the beach below.
The path grew so steep that the hikers had to use their hands to climb.
From the steep cliff, Eve could see the waves crashing far below.
- sheer
more extreme than steep — describes a surface that is nearly vertical
- precipitous
more formal and dramatic; suggests a dangerously steep drop
- sharp
used for angles rather than whole surfaces; a sharp incline
用法筆記
Frequently used to describe terrain, stairs, or roads that are difficult to climb. Can be modified by very, quite, extremely, or too.
常見錯誤
2. happening very quickly and by a large amount — used especially for changes in nu
happening very quickly and by a large amount — used especially for changes in numbers, prices, levels, or quantities moving sharply in one direction.
The company reported a steep drop in sales after the product recall.
collocation: steep drop / steep fall / steep decline
There has been a steep rise in the cost of renting an apartment in Taipei.
The doctor warned about the steep increase in allergy cases during spring.
Fans were surprised by the steep decline in the singer's popularity after the scandal.
用法筆記
Commonly modifies nouns such as rise, fall, drop, increase, and decline. Typically used in business, economics, and data-reporting contexts. Not used for physical slopes.
常見錯誤
3. much higher than what most people think is fair or reasonable — used especially
much higher than what most people think is fair or reasonable — used especially when complaining about the cost of something.
The rent for that small flat was too steep for a student to afford.
collocation: too steep / steep rent / steep price
Customers complained that the restaurant's prices were steep for such small portions.
The museum's admission fee was steep, so the family visited the park instead.
Diya found the tuition fees at the private school far too steep for her budget.
- expensive
neutral and more general; steep adds a subjective sense of unfairness
- exorbitant
stronger and more formal; suggests the price is shockingly high
- outrageous
very informal; expresses anger at the price
- cheap
low in price
- reasonable
fair and not too high
用法筆記
Restricted to prices, fees, rents, and costs — not used for other kinds of excess. This sense is informal and often carries a tone of complaint.
常見錯誤
steep — noun
1. a place where the ground drops away sharply, such as a cliff face or the steep s
a place where the ground drops away sharply, such as a cliff face or the steep side of a mountain.
The narrow trail led to a steep covered in thick bushes and loose rocks.
Ife stood at the top of the steep, heart racing as she peered down.
formal register; used in geographical descriptions
The map marked a steep on the north ridge that climbers should avoid.
The rescue team lowered a rope down the steep to reach the injured hiker.
- cliff
a specific type of steep face, usually vertical and made of rock
- escarpment
a long, steep slope separating two level areas; more technical
- precipice
a very steep, almost vertical rock face; suggests danger
用法筆記
Uncommon in everyday speech. More often used in written descriptions of landscapes or in hiking and climbing contexts. Usually appears as the steep after a determiner and often followed by a location phrase.
steep — verb
1. to put something into a liquid and leave it there so that the liquid's propertie
to put something into a liquid and leave it there so that the liquid's properties soak into it — done to soften food, draw out dirt, or give flavour to a drink or dish.
Theo steeped dried mushrooms in hot water for twenty minutes, then added them to the stew.
transitive pattern: steep [food] in [liquid] for [time]
The tea needs to steep for at least five minutes to develop its full flavour.
intransitive pattern: [ingredient] steeps for [time]
Constanza steeped the stained tablecloth in cold water overnight to loosen the dirt.
To make the spice blend, steep the peppercorns in vinegar for at least two days.
文法句型
steep + noun + in + noun
steep + for + time
用法筆記
Common in recipes and instructions for preparing tea, coffee, herbs, or dried food. Can be used transitively (I steep the tea) or intransitively (the tea is steeping). The liquid is usually hot but not boiling.
常見錯誤
2. to have a great deal of a particular quality, idea, or influence present in ever
to have a great deal of a particular quality, idea, or influence present in every part, so that it strongly shapes the character or atmosphere of someone or something.
The old town is steeped in history dating back more than a thousand years.
passive pattern: be steeped in [abstract noun]
Cole grew up steeped in the farming traditions of his grandparents' village.
The novel is steeped in the atmosphere of post-war London.
Layla steeped herself in the local language and customs before moving abroad.
- saturated with
similar meaning but slightly more technical; suggests complete filling
- immersed in
active participation rather than passive influence
- permeated by
suggests something spreads through every part, often of smell or atmosphere
文法句型
be steeped in + noun
用法筆記
Almost always used in the passive voice (be steeped in) with abstract nouns like tradition, history, culture, or atmosphere. The reflexive form steep oneself in is less common but possible for deliberate immersion.