Steely Meaning in English
word
ˈstiɫi
STEE-lee
stˈiːli
STEE-lee
Definition
Very strong, determined, or tough, like steel; often used to describe someone’s eyes, voice, or attitude that shows strength or lack of emotion.
Usage & Nuances
'Steely' is figurative, rarely meaning made of steel. Used with 'eyes', 'voice', 'determination', 'look', often in serious or challenging situations. Synonyms: 'unyielding', 'cold', 'firm'. Not used for objects; focuses on personality, expression, or behavior.
Spanish: firme - de acero (figuradamente)Portuguese (BR): firme - de aço (figurativo)Portuguese (PT): firme - de aço (figurado)Chinese (Simplified): 坚毅的 - 刚强的Chinese (Traditional): 堅毅的 - 剛強的Hindi: दृढ़ - इस्पाती (रूपक)Arabic: صلب - حازمBengali: কঠোর - দৃঢ় - কঠিন (আচরণ বা মনোভাবের জন্য)Russian: стальной - холодный (о взгляде, голосе, характере)Japanese: 鋼のような - 冷たい（態度・雰囲気で）Vietnamese: kiên cường - lạnh lùng (về ánh mắt, thái độ)Korean: 강인한 - 냉철한 (성격이나 태도)Turkish: çelik gibi - soğukkanlı (tavır/ifadede)Urdu: فولادی - مضبوط (رویہ یا انداز میں)Indonesian: tegar - dingin (tentang sikap atau suara)
Example Sentences
She gave him a steely look.
basic
His voice was steely and calm.
basic
She faced the challenge with a steely determination.
basic
There was a steely edge to her words that made everyone listen.
natural
He met the bad news with a steely silence.
natural
You could see her steely resolve in the way she refused to give up.
natural