steeply
UK: ˈstiːpli | US: ˈstiːpli
adv. in a steep manner; with a sharp incline or slope
adv. (figuratively) to an extreme or excessive degree
The word "steeply" derives from the Old English "stēap," meaning "high, lofty, or deep," which evolved into "steep" in Modern English, retaining the sense of a sharp rise or decline. The suffix "-ly" is a productive adverbial suffix in English, originating from Old English "-līce," used to form adverbs from adjectives. Together, "steeply" literally means "in a steep manner," describing physical slopes or metaphorical extremes.
The road climbs steeply up the mountain.
Prices have risen steeply in the past year.
She leaned steeply to one side to avoid the falling object.
The graph shows a steeply declining trend.
The cliff drops steeply into the ocean below.