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STEADINESS
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I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
The quality of being steady--regular and unvarying
Classified under:
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects
Hypernyms ("steadiness" is a kind of...):
regularity (the quality of being characterized by a fixed principle or rate)
Antonym:
unsteadiness (the quality of being unsteady--varying and unpredictable)
Derivation:
steady (not subject to change or variation especially in behavior)
Sense 2
Meaning:
The quality of being steady or securely and immovably fixed in place
Synonyms:
firmness; steadiness
Classified under:
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects
Hypernyms ("steadiness" is a kind of...):
immovability; immovableness (not capable of being moved or rearranged)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "steadiness"):
granite (something having the quality of granite (unyielding firmness))
sureness (the quality of being steady and unfailing)
stability; stableness (the quality or attribute of being firm and steadfast)
Antonym:
unsteadiness (the quality of not being steady or securely fixed in place)
Derivation:
steady (securely in position; not shaky)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Freedom from wavering or indecision; constancy of resolve or conduct
Example:
He trusted her clear steadiness that she would do what she said
Classified under:
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects
Hypernyms ("steadiness" is a kind of...):
firmness; firmness of purpose; resoluteness; resolution; resolve (the trait of being resolute)
Derivation:
steady (marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable)
Context examples:
The steadiness of his manner, and the intelligence of his eye as he spoke, convincing Elinor, that whatever other unpardonable folly might bring him to Cleveland, he was not brought there by intoxication, she said, after a moment's recollection, Mr. Willoughby, you OUGHT to feel, and I certainly DO—that after what has passed—your coming here in this manner, and forcing yourself upon my notice, requires a very particular excuse.
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
Young and gentle as she was, it might yet have been possible to withstand her father's ill-will, though unsoftened by one kind word or look on the part of her sister; but Lady Russell, whom she had always loved and relied on, could not, with such steadiness of opinion, and such tenderness of manner, be continually advising her in vain.
(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)
It is not a connexion to gratify; but if Mr. Churchill does not feel that, why should we? and it may be a very fortunate circumstance for him, for Frank, I mean, that he should have attached himself to a girl of such steadiness of character and good judgment as I have always given her credit for—and still am disposed to give her credit for, in spite of this one great deviation from the strict rule of right.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
Everything returned into the same channel as before his absence; his manners being to each so animated and agreeable as to lose no ground with either, and just stopping short of the consistence, the steadiness, the solicitude, and the warmth which might excite general notice.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
The sudden termination of Colonel Brandon's visit at the park, with his steadiness in concealing its cause, filled the mind, and raised the wonder of Mrs. Jennings for two or three days; she was a great wonderer, as every one must be who takes a very lively interest in all the comings and goings of all their acquaintance.
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
This is in the supposition of his attachment continuing what it now is; but I do not know that I expect it will; I do not look upon him to be quite the sort of man—I do not altogether build upon his steadiness or constancy.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
Henry Crawford had too much sense not to feel the worth of good principles in a wife, though he was too little accustomed to serious reflection to know them by their proper name; but when he talked of her having such a steadiness and regularity of conduct, such a high notion of honour, and such an observance of decorum as might warrant any man in the fullest dependence on her faith and integrity, he expressed what was inspired by the knowledge of her being well principled and religious.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
He has had great faults, faults of inconsideration and thoughtlessness; and I am very much of his opinion in thinking him likely to be happier than he deserves: but still as he is, beyond a doubt, really attached to Miss Fairfax, and will soon, it may be hoped, have the advantage of being constantly with her, I am very ready to believe his character will improve, and acquire from hers the steadiness and delicacy of principle that it wants.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
