Definition of steep

The word "steep" has its etymology rooted in Old English. It comes from the Proto-Germanic word "*stipiz" which meant "to set upright" or "to place upright". This Proto-Germanic word is thought to have been derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*steh2-" meaning "to stand" or "to stand upright". In Old English, the word "steep" (or "stīp") referred to something that is set upright or erected, such as a roof or a slope. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include the sense of inclining or sloping upwards, as well as the idea of something being difficult to climb or navigate. Today, the word "steep" is commonly used to describe not only geographical slopes and inclines, but also steep learning curves, steep challenges, and even steep prices. Despite its evolution, the word remains a testament to the linguistic connections between Old English and modern English.