steep

/stiːp/·adjective·c. 700·Established

Origin

From Old English 'stēap' (high, lofty), from Proto-Germanic *staupaz — shifted from 'tall' to 'sharply angled.'

Definition

Rising or falling sharply; almost perpendicular.

The Full Story

Old Englishc. 700well-attested

From Old English 'stēap' meaning 'high, lofty, steep, prominent,' from Proto-Germanic *staupaz (tall, lofty). The word shifted from 'tall' to 'sharply angled.' Key roots: *staupaz (Proto-Germanic: "tall, projecting").

Ancient Roots

*staupaz (Proto-Germanic: “tall, projecting”)

This Word in Other Languages

stoup(English (holy water vessel))

Related Words

Did you know?

A 'steeple' is from the same root — a steep, lofty pointed tower. 'Steeplechase' was originally a horse race toward a church steeple used as a landmark.

Steep Wiki Article· 3 min read