English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
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adj

steely

STEE-lee
adj
1
Cold, hard, and unyielding in manner or determination.
"She fixed him with a steely gaze."
"His steely resolve carried the team through the final round."

How to Use Steely

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHard, cold, and resolute — like steel in character or expression.

Common pairings
steely gaze steely resolve steely determination

Word Forms

steelier comparative, Steelys plural, steeliest superlative

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She fixed him with a _____ gaze.

Etymology

Formed from steel + -y.

Rhymes for steely

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial