steely

[ stee-lee ]

adjective

, steel·i·er, steel·i·est.

1. consisting or made of steel.
2. resembling or suggesting steel, as in color, strength, or hardness.

Other Words From

• steeli·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of steely¹

First recorded in 1500–10; steel + -y ¹

Example Sentences

He has an 0.47 ERA in four career World Series appearances and the steely nerve to take the mound on one day’s rest for the last three outs of this fall’s clinching Game 5.

From Los Angeles Times

And it is that resilience and steely determination the 39-year-old will be bringing to the Premier League after being named head coach of Manchester United.

From BBC

The words of the first black man to play for the senior England team - Viv Anderson - have a steely, serious and thought-provoking undertone.

From BBC

Her family has already suffered terribly in the struggle against the Russian regime, but she remains composed throughout our interview, steely whenever Putin's name comes up.

From BBC

Dark feelings and internal conflicts characterize these first episodes, which are full of raised voices, clenched jaws and steely stares.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adamant
• immutable
• intractable
• obstinate
• resolute
• rigid
• rigorous
• steadfast
• strict
• stringent
• uncompromising
• unyielding