Steely

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈstiːli/

Definitions

1. Possessing qualities reminiscent of steel, including toughness and a cold, metallic hue, while also exhibiting an unwavering or intense demeanor, particularly in one's expression or resolve
2. Characterized by attributes analogous to steel, such as rigidity and a silvery appearance, and demonstrating a strong, unyielding personality or focused mindset
3. Having a surface or texture like steel with a cold metallic color ; displaying a resolute and unshakable attitude or focus

Etymology: "Steely" is about as plain as English adjectives get: it is steel with the suffix "-y" attached, meaning "having the qualities of" or "resembling." The suffix itself has a long pedigree, tracing back through Old English "-ig" and Proto-Germanic "-gaz" to a much older root, but it has been a productive tool in English for over a thousand years, which is why it can be added to almost any noun without fuss. The more interesting story is in the base word. "Steel" is the older and more established term, and "steely" grew out of it as a descriptive word for the metal's look and hardness. Its figurative sense, describing a resolute or unyielding attitude, follows the same logic: people borrowed the image of hardened metal to describe a character that cannot be bent or softened.

Synonyms: hard, firm, strong, resolute, unyielding

Antonyms: soft, weak, yielding, gentle, flexible