steely
gb/stˈili/ us/stˈili/
B2
English
acélszürke, acélfényű, rideg, eltökélt, rendíthetetlen, acélos, feszes
B2
1
acélszürke
B1
acélfényű
C1
Usage pattern:
steely + [noun]
The lake had a steely surface under the winter clouds.
A tó felszíne acélszürke volt a téli felhők alatt.
She chose a steely gray suit for the interview.
Az állásinterjúra egy acélszürke kosztümöt választott.
A steely light reflected off the skyscraper windows.
Learner examples
The sky looks steely today.
Ma acélszürkének látszik az ég.
He wore a steely gray jacket.
Acélszürke kabátot viselt.
Common mistake:
Learners may use it for any gray color; it usually suggests a cold, metallic look.
Meaning
metallic gray; like steel
Collocations
steely grey
|steely gray
|steely blue
|steely sheen
|steely light
|steely sky
|steely water
|steely glint
|steely surface
|steely shine
Synonyms
metallic (Emphasizes a metal-like shine more generally.)
|
steel-gray (More specific to a particular gray color.)
|
iron-gray (Similar color, slightly darker or duller than steely.)
Antonyms
warm-toned (Opposite in color temperature; not cold gray.)
|
matte (Opposite in finish; not shiny or metallic-looking.)
Themes
materials
|appearance
|color
Definition
Looking like steel, usually a cold gray color.
Having the color, shine, or hardness associated with steel; metallic and often cold gray in appearance.
C1
2
rideg
B2
Usage pattern:
steely + [look/voice/tone/gaze]
He answered in a steely voice that ended the discussion.
Olyan rideg hangon válaszolt, hogy ezzel lezárta a vitát.
She gave him a steely look that made him back down.
Olyan rideg pillantást vetett rá, hogy meghátrált.
The manager’s steely tone made it clear the decision was final.
Learner examples
She spoke in a steely voice.
Rideg hangon beszélt.
He gave me a steely look.
Rideg pillantást vetett rám.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'stealing'; the spelling and pronunciation are different.
Meaning
cold and unfriendly in manner
Collocations
steely gaze
|steely stare
|steely eyes
|steely look
|steely voice
|steely tone
|steely expression
|steely silence
|steely calm
Synonyms
cold (More general; steely suggests a sharper, harder edge.)
|
icy (Stronger and more emotional; often suggests deliberate coldness.)
|
hard (Can mean strict or tough; steely adds an unfeeling, controlled quality.)
Antonyms
warm (Shows friendliness and kindness.)
|
gentle (Soft and non-threatening in manner.)
|
friendly (Open and welcoming, unlike a steely manner.)
Themes
emotions
|communication
|relationships
Definition
Cold and not friendly; showing no emotion.
Showing little warmth or emotion; hard, cold, or intimidating in tone, expression, or behavior.
C1
3
eltökélt
B2
Usage pattern:
steely + [resolve/determination/will]
With steely resolve, she finished the marathon despite the pain.
Rendíthetetlen elszántsággal fejezte be a maratont a fájdalom ellenére.
The team played with steely determination after the early setback.
A csapat a korai hátrány után is rendíthetetlen elszántsággal játszott.
He kept steely control of his emotions during the meeting.
Learner examples
She has steely determination.
Rendíthetetlen az elszántsága.
He stayed steely and calm.
Eltökélt és nyugodt maradt.
Meaning
determined and unyielding
Collocations
steely resolve
|steely determination
|steely will
|steely focus
|steely control
|steely discipline
|steely nerve
Synonyms
resolute (Formal; focuses on firmness of decision.)
|
unyielding (Emphasizes not giving in to pressure.)
|
iron-willed (Stronger and more idiomatic; emphasizes willpower.)
Antonyms
wavering (Uncertain and not firm in decision.)
|
hesitant (Slow to act due to uncertainty.)
|
soft (Not strict or tough; easily moved.)
Themes
personality
|goals
|work
Definition
Very strong and determined; not giving up.
Very determined, tough, and not easily persuaded or stopped; firmly resolute.
C1
TECHNICAL
4
Usage pattern:
steely + [wine/acidity/finish]
The Sauvignon Blanc has a steely finish and bright acidity.
A Sauvignon Blanc lecsengése acélos, savai élénkek.
She prefers steely white wines over richer, oaky styles.
Inkább az acélos fehérborokat kedveli, mint a gazdagabb, fahordós stílusokat.
The tasting notes described a steely, mineral character.
Learner examples
This wine tastes steely and crisp.
Ez a bor acélos és feszes.
Meaning
crisp, mineral taste (wine)
Collocations
steely acidity
|steely finish
|steely white wine
|steely character
|steely Riesling
|steely Chardonnay
Synonyms
crisp (More general; not necessarily mineral.)
|
mineral (Focuses on the stone-like quality rather than acidity.)
|
tart (Emphasizes sharp acidity; can sound less positive than steely.)
Antonyms
round (Smooth and less sharp in acidity.)
|
soft (Not crisp or sharply defined.)
|
buttery (Rich, creamy style opposite to steely crispness.)
Themes
food_drink
Definition
In tasting, very crisp and slightly acidic.
Describing a drink, especially wine, as sharply crisp and mineral, often with a clean, slightly acidic character.
Grammar
Dictionary form
steely
IPA
GB/stˈili/
US/stˈili/
Syllables & stress
steely (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (steely)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: steely
- Comparative: steelier
- Superlative: steeliest
Expressions
steely blue
1/stˈili blˈu/
fixed phrase
cold grayish-blue color
A cold blue color, a little like metal.
Examples
- Her eyes were a striking steely blue.
- The steely blue sky made the city look even colder.
- He painted the room in steely blue tones.
Learner examples
- She has steely blue eyes.
steely resolve
1/stˈili ɹizˈɑlv/
fixed phrase
very strong determination
Very strong determination to do something.
Examples
- With steely resolve, he refused to sign the agreement.
- She showed steely resolve to rebuild after the fire.
- They met the crisis with steely resolve.
Learner examples
- She faced the problem with steely resolve.
steely-eyed
1/stˈili ˈaɪd/
fixed phrase
showing cold determination
Looking very determined and not emotional.
Examples
- A steely-eyed lawyer questioned the witness for hours.
- She faced the cameras, steely-eyed and composed.
- The coach was steely-eyed as he delivered the halftime speech.
Learner examples
- He was steely-eyed and serious.