Slant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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slant

[slรฆnt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

geometry

A slope or diagonal line.

Synonyms

angle, incline, slope.

Examples of usage

  • The roof had a slant to allow water to run off easily.
  • The artist painted the tree with a slant to create a sense of movement.
Context #2 | Noun

bias

A particular point of view or bias, especially one that is unfair.

Synonyms

bias, prejudice, spin.

Examples of usage

  • The article had a slant towards favoring the new product.
  • The journalist's reporting had a clear slant against the government.
Context #3 | Verb

tilt

To lean or incline in a particular direction.

Synonyms

inclined, lean, tilt.

Examples of usage

  • She slanted her head to get a better view.
  • The sun slanted through the window, casting long shadows.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Writers often employ a 'slant' perspective to bias their narratives, shaping how readers understand characters and events.
  • Edgar Allan Poe used slant rhyme in his poetry, where the ends of words sounded similar but didnโ€™t perfectly rhyme, adding a unique rhythm.
  • In literature, this device allows authors to express underlying themes subtly rather than presenting them directly.

Psychology

  • Cognitive bias refers to how individuals can have a slanted perception based on their experiences or beliefs.
  • Research shows that people often view news articles with a slant that confirms their existing opinions, a phenomenon known as confirmation bias.
  • Different cultures may influence how individuals interpret slanted information, affecting their worldview and interactions.

Art

  • Artists often use slanting lines in their compositions to create perspective and depth, guiding the viewer's eye.
  • The slant of colors in abstract art can evoke emotions, where tilted hues suggest movement or tension in the piece.
  • Constructivism, an art movement, embraced slanted angles and shapes to convey dynamism, breaking away from traditional forms.

Media

  • In journalism, the term 'slant' is crucial, as it describes how reporters may present information with a particular bias or angle.
  • Contemporary media often faces scrutiny for slanting coverage toward partisan viewpoints, influencing public opinion significantly.
  • The rise of social media has led to the phenomenon of 'slant-based' news channels, where the focus is on certain narratives over balanced reporting.

Origin of 'slant'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated in the early 14th century from the Old French 'eslanter,' meaning to slope or tilt.
  • Related words in other languages also describe similar concepts of tilting, showing that this idea transcends cultures.
  • Itโ€™s also linked to Latin 'planus,' meaning level, contrasting the idea of slanting as a deviation from flatness.

The word 'slant' originated in the late 17th century from the obsolete Dutch word 'slant', meaning a slope or slanting line. It has evolved over time to encompass various meanings related to slopes, biases, and inclinations. The term is commonly used in geometry to describe a diagonal line or slope and in a more figurative sense to denote a biased perspective or inclination towards a particular viewpoint.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,902, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.