B2adjectiveemotionspsychology
US/ˈstiː.li/
UK/ˈstiː.li/
very strong and determined, or cold and hard in color or look, like steel
In context
She gave him a steely look and told him to leave at once.
The coach showed steely determination in the last ten minutes of the match.
The sky turned a steely color just before the storm arrived.
Words that go with steely
adjective + noun
- steely gazeHe met her steely gaze without moving.
- steely determinationHer steely determination impressed the judges.
- steely eyesThe captain looked at us with steely eyes.
- steely resolveThey faced the crisis with steely resolve.
- steely blueThe lake had a steely blue color in winter.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
a steel lookCorrect: a steely look