early vs steady

early

adj
  • At a time in advance of the usual or expected event. 

  • Near the start or beginning. 

  • Near the start of the day. 

  • Having begun to occur; in its early stages. 

  • Arriving a time before expected; sooner than on time. 

  • Of a star or class of stars, hotter than the sun. 

noun
  • A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place early in the day. 

adv
  • At a time before expected; sooner than usual. 

  • Soon; in good time; seasonably. 

steady

adj
  • Regular and even. 

  • Smooth and not bumpy or with obstructions. 

  • Constant in feeling, purpose, or pursuit; not fickle, changeable, or wavering; not easily moved or persuaded to alter a purpose; resolute. 

  • Firm in standing or position; not tottering or shaking; fixed; firm. 

  • Slow. 

noun
  • A rest or support, as for the hand, a tool, or a piece of work. 

  • A regular boyfriend or girlfriend. 

  • A prostitute's regular customer. 

adv
  • To row with pressure at a low stroke-rating, often 18 strokes per minute. 

verb
  • To become stable. 

  • To stabilize; to prevent from shaking. 

particle
  • Aspect marker indicating consistency or intensity. 

How often have the words early and steady occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )