Steep

/stiːp/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To soak (food or tea) in liquid to extract flavor or soften it.

We need to steep the tea bags for at least five minutes.

To immerse or saturate completely.

She decided to steep the fabric in dye overnight.

adjective

Rising or falling sharply; having a sharp slope.

The trail was so steep that we had to stop to catch our breath.

Rising or falling at an angle greater than 45 degrees.

The steep cliffs by the ocean made it difficult to access the beach.

Excessively high in price or cost.

The prices at that restaurant are quite steep for what you get.

Middle English stepe, of uncertain origin.

steep learning curve:

A situation requiring one to learn a lot in a short amount of time.

steep in tradition:

Deeply rooted in customary practices or beliefs.

steep price:

A cost that is considered excessively high.

Steeped in

He is steeped in culture.

Steeped in debt

After the failed project, they were steeped in debt.