mindmap root((陡的)) steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is difficult: a ~ staircase leading to the attic. abrupt implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level: a beach with an ~ drop-off. precipitous applies to steepness approaching the vertical: the airplane went into a ~ nosedive. sheer suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse: climbers able to ascend ~ cliffs.