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Steepen - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Steepen means to become or make something steeper, such as a slope or price. It implies an increase in angle or intensity, often making something more difficult or extreme.

steepen

/ˈstiːpən/ /ˈstiːpən/

Definition:

To make or become steeper in slope or angle.

Synonyms:

sharpen, increase, intensify, escalate

Part of Speech:

verb

Antonyms:

flatten, level

Common Collocations:

steepen the slope, steepen the curve, steepen the angle

Derivatives:

steepened, steepening

Usage Tips:

Use "steepen" to describe a slope or angle becoming more pronounced; often used in geography or finance.

Common Phrases:

steepen the climb, steepen the decline, steepen the gradient

Etymology:

Derived from "steep," from Old English "stēap," meaning high or lofty; suffix "-en" forms verbs indicating causation.

Examples:

  • 1. The hill's incline began to steepen as we climbed higher.
  • 2. The road will steepen after the next turn, so be careful.
  • 3. Economic pressures caused prices to steepen rapidly last year.
  • 4. The graph shows how demand can steepen during peak seasons.

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