Having a pronounced incline (5) - Crossword Clue
Answer: STEEP
STEEP is the answer to the crossword clue "Having a pronounced incline (5)." This five-letter word perfectly describes surfaces, paths, or slopes that rise or fall at a sharp angle, making them difficult to climb or descend.
What Does Steep Mean?
- The word steep primarily refers to something that has a sharp incline or gradient.
- When a hill, road, staircase, or mountain face is steep, it means the angle of ascent or descent is significant enough to require extra effort or caution.
- Beyond physical inclines, "steep" can also describe prices or demands that are excessively high or unreasonable, as in "steep prices" or "steep requirements."
Related Terms and Synonyms
- Understanding related vocabulary helps solve similar clues. Steep shares meaning with words like precipitous, sheer, abrupt, vertical, and sharp when describing physical inclines.
- For gentler slopes, you might see gradual, gentle, or level as antonyms. In crossword contexts, watch for clues mentioning mountains, hills, cliffs, staircases, or challenging terrain—these often point toward "steep" as the solution.
Quick Tips for Solving
- Count the letters first: With 5 letters and ending in P, STEEP fits perfectly
- Look for angle keywords: Words like "incline," "slope," "gradient," or "sharp" often indicate STEEP
- Consider double meanings: If the clue mentions prices or costs with "high" or "excessive," STEEP works figuratively
- Check crossing letters: The double E in the middle (positions 3-4) helps confirm the answer
- Geographic clues: References to mountainous regions, San Francisco streets, or ski slopes frequently lead to STEEP
Having a pronounced incline (5) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Can STEEP be used as a verb?
Yes, steep also means to soak something in liquid, like steeping tea bags in hot water. However, crossword clues about inclines specifically seek the adjective form.
Q: What's the difference between steep and sheer?
While both describe sharp inclines, "sheer" typically implies an almost vertical or perpendicular surface (like a cliff face), whereas "steep" can describe any significantly angled slope that's difficult but not necessarily vertical.
Q: Are there common crossword letter patterns that help identify STEEP?
Absolutely. If you see TE_P or S_EE, STEEP is highly likely. The double-E pattern in the middle is particularly distinctive for five-letter words.
Q: Why do crossword constructors favor STEEP?
The word offers excellent letter combinations (common vowels and consonants), has clear, unambiguous meanings, and the five-letter length fits standard grid patterns perfectly.
