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0 English - Dictionary monolingual

Slip

slɪp
Very common
~ 1800
~ 1800, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
To lose footing or balance momentarily, To slide unintentionally for a short distance, To make a mistake or error, To pass or go quickly, quietly, or unnoticed, A mistake or error

Slip - Meanings

To lose footing or balance momentarily

Example: She slipped on the wet floor.
Usage: informalContext: everyday situations
Note: Commonly used to describe accidental falls or missteps.

To slide unintentionally for a short distance

Example: The book slipped from her hands and fell to the floor.
Usage: formalContext: describing physical movements
Note: Often used to indicate objects moving out of control.

To make a mistake or error

Example: I slipped up and forgot to send the report.
Usage: informalContext: casual conversations
Note: Commonly used in informal contexts to admit mistakes.

To pass or go quickly, quietly, or unnoticed

Example: She slipped out of the room before anyone noticed.
Usage: formalContext: describing stealthy movements
Note: Often used in contexts where someone leaves discreetly.

A mistake or error

Example: That was a slip on my part.
Usage: formalContext: professional settings
Note: Commonly used in formal contexts to acknowledge a mistake.

Slip's synonyms

slide

To move smoothly and easily in a particular direction.
Example: She slipped on the wet floor.
Note: Similar to 'slip' but often implies a more intentional or controlled movement.

skid

To slide uncontrollably in a particular direction, especially on a slippery surface.
Example: The car skidded on the icy road.
Note: Implies a lack of control or intention, unlike 'slip' which can sometimes imply a slight error or mistake.

glide

To move smoothly and effortlessly, often with grace or elegance.
Example: The figure skater glided gracefully across the ice.
Note: Suggests a more graceful and controlled movement compared to 'slip'.

skate

To move smoothly and quickly over a surface with a gliding motion.
Example: He slipped on his skates and fell on the ice.
Note: Involves the use of skates or similar equipment for movement, unlike a general 'slip'.

Slip expressions, common phrases

slip up

To make a mistake or error.
Example: I slipped up and forgot to send the important email.
Note: The phrase 'slip up' emphasizes making an error or mistake, whereas 'slip' on its own refers to losing footing or sliding accidentally.

slip of the tongue

An unintentional error in speaking, such as saying the wrong word or phrase.
Example: It was just a slip of the tongue; I didn't mean to offend anyone.
Note: While 'slip' can refer to losing footing, 'slip of the tongue' specifically relates to verbal mistakes or slips.

slip through the cracks

To go unnoticed or not be dealt with, often due to oversight.
Example: I can't believe that mistake slipped through the cracks in our quality control process.
Note: This phrase implies something being missed or overlooked, whereas 'slip' on its own refers to sliding or losing footing.

slip into something

To put on or wear something quickly and easily.
Example: After work, I like to slip into my comfortable pajamas.
Note: The addition of 'into something' specifies putting on or wearing something, differentiating it from the general action of slipping.

let something slip

To reveal information that was meant to be kept secret.
Example: I accidentally let it slip that we're planning a surprise party for him.
Note: While 'slip' can refer to sliding or losing footing, 'let something slip' specifically relates to revealing or disclosing information.

slippery slope

A situation that is likely to lead to further problems if not stopped early.
Example: Borrowing money to pay off debt can be a slippery slope to financial trouble.
Note: This phrase conveys the idea of a dangerous path or progression, contrasting with the literal meaning of 'slip' as losing footing.

slip into obscurity

To gradually become less well-known or remembered.
Example: After the initial hype, the artist's work seemed to slip into obscurity.
Note: The phrase 'slip into obscurity' implies a gradual decline in visibility or popularity, contrasting with the physical act of slipping.

Slip everyday (slang) expressions

Slip a Mickey

To secretly add a drug or substance (often sedative) to someone's food or drink without their knowledge, typically to incapacitate them.
Example: He slipped a Mickey into her drink.
Note: Differs from 'slip' as it specifically refers to surreptitious drugging.

Slipstream

Refers to the aerodynamic draft or wake created by a moving vehicle, used in driving or cycling to reduce wind resistance and save energy.
Example: I tucked into the slipstream behind the truck to save fuel.
Note: Differs from 'slip' as it relates to the physics of motion and airflow.

Slip-joint pliers

Adjustable pliers with a pivoting joint that allows the jaws to open wider, typically used for gripping and turning various objects.
Example: Hand me those slip-joint pliers to tighten this nut.
Note: Differs from 'slip' as it refers to a specific type of tool rather than an act of sliding.

Slip dress

A form-fitting, often silky dress resembling an undergarment, traditionally worn as a slip but now as a fashionable outer garment.
Example: She looked stunning in that silk slip dress.
Note: Differs from 'slip' as it denotes a specific type of clothing rather than the verb 'slip.'

Slipcase

A protective covering or box in which a book, record, or other item is enclosed, often used for additional preservation or aesthetic purposes.
Example: The collector's edition comes with a slipcase for the books.
Note: Differs from 'slip' as it indicates a specific type of covering or packaging.

Slip stitch

A type of stitch in sewing or knitting where the needle passes through a loop of the previous stitch to create an almost invisible join.
Example: Use a slip stitch to join the two pieces of fabric seamlessly.
Note: Differs from 'slip' as it refers to a specific sewing technique rather than general movement.

Slip road

A short, auxiliary road that allows vehicles to enter or exit a main road or highway easily and safely.
Example: Take the slip road to exit the highway at the next junction.
Note: Differs from 'slip' as it indicates a dedicated road section rather than an action of sliding or moving smoothly.

Slip - Examples

Slip on the ice.
She wore a silk slip under her dress.
I made a slip in my calculations.

Slip grammar

Slip - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: slip
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): slips, slip
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): slip
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): slipped
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): slipping
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): slips
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): slip
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): slip
Syllables, Separation and Stress
slip Contains 1 syllables: slip
Phonetic transcription: ˈslip
slip , ˈslip (The red syllable is stressed)

Slip - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
slip: ~ 1800 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.