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.
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.