What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
steep
Example
The hike up the steep mountain was challenging. [steep: adjective]
Example
Be careful driving down this steep hill. [steep: adjective]
Example
The company experienced a steep decline in profits. [steep: adjective]
hill
Example
We hiked up the hill to get a better view of the sunset. [hill: noun]
Example
The house is located on top of a small hill. [hill: noun]
Example
The castle was built on a hill for strategic purposes. [hill: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hill is more commonly used than steep in everyday language. Hill is a common feature of the landscape and can be found in many contexts, while steep is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between steep and hill?
Both steep and hill can be used in formal and informal contexts, but hill is generally more neutral and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
