Meaning of steep In English

• 0 (of a slope) rising or falling at a sharp angle:

  • a steep slope

  • It's a steep climb to the top of the mountain, but the view is worth it.

  • The castle is set on a steep hill/hillside.

  • There has been a steep increase/rise in prices.

• 1 (especially of prices) too much, or more than is reasonable:

  • They are having to face very steep taxes.

  • We enjoyed our meal at the restaurant, but the bill was a bit steep.

  • The membership fees at the golf club are pretty steep.

• 2 to cause to stay in a liquid, especially in order to become soft or clean, or to improve flavour:

  • Leave the cloth to steep in the dye overnight.

  • We had pears steeped in red wine for dessert.

• 3 (of a slope) rising or falling at a sharp angle:

  • The train slowed as it went up a steep incline.

  • Yesterday’s steep decline in the value of the dollar was unexpected.

• 4 (esp. of prices) too high; more than is reasonable:

  • We enjoyed our stay at the hotel, but the charges were a bit steep.

• 5 to stay or cause to stay in a liquid, esp. in order to improve flavor or to become soft or clean:

  • [ I ] Let the tea steep for five minutes.

  • [ T ] This stain will come out if you steep the cloth in cold water.

  • [ T ] The college is steeped in tradition.

• 6 sudden and very big:

  • steep decline/drop/fall With the steep fall in the price of oil, the economy has slowed significantly.

  • steep rise/increase The property market is beginning to decline after years of steep price increases.

• 7 very high or higher than is reasonable:

  • steep fee/charge/cost Investors are concerned about the steep cost of the banking bail-out.

  • Co-operatives could soon face steep taxes.