Steady vs The system's stable
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Steady
Top 1,000 (very common)B2adjective
The system's stable
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Steady
| Steady | The system's stable | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈstedi/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈstedi/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðə ˈsɪstəmz ˈsteɪbəl//🇺🇸 //ðə ˈsɪstəmz ˈsteɪbəl// |
| Meaning | Not changing; stable. | The system is working without problems. |
| Example | She has a steady job that provides her with financial security. | After the update, the system's stable now. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be, seem, become, remarkably, very, fairly, be, feel, look, extremely, fairly, very | system stability, remain stable, ensure stability, stable environment, stable operations |
| Antonyms | unstable, fluctuating, irregular | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'steady' vs 'stedy' - 'steady' is the correct spelling., Using 'steady' in contexts that require a more dynamic word, like 'active' or 'exciting'., Mixing up 'steady' with 'steady on' - the latter is used primarily as a command. | 'Stable' confused with 'staple' (meaning basic or essential)., Incorrectly using 'stably' in place of 'stable' in sentences., Using 'stable' to describe changes that are actually volatile. |
| Usage notes | Use 'steady' to describe something that is consistent or reliable. It’s appropriate in both casual conversations and professional contexts, but avoid using it in overly emotional situations. | Use 'stable' when discussing technology or systems that are reliable. Avoid in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Steady vs The system's stable
What's the difference between Steady and The system's stable?
Steady: Not changing; stable. The system's stable: The system is working without problems.
Which is more common: Steady and The system's stable?
Steady is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Steady: She has a steady job that provides her with financial security. The system's stable: After the update, the system's stable now.
Can I use Steady and The system's stable interchangeably?
Not always. Steady and The system's stable are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.