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Sleek Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sleek

[sliːk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance

Smooth and glossy; well-groomed and elegant in appearance.

Synonyms

polished, shiny, smooth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sleek

Used to describe something that is elegant, stylish, and often streamlined, usually associated with a modern and sophisticated look.

  • The new sports car has a sleek design
  • Her sleek hair shows she's been taking good care of it
smooth

Describes a surface free of roughness or irregularities, or a situation that progresses without difficulties.

  • The table had a smooth finish after being sanded
  • His smooth speech made the event go without a hitch
shiny

Refers to something that reflects light and has a bright, clean appearance, commonly used for objects that sparkle or gleam.

  • Her new shoes were shiny and caught everyone's attention
  • The shiny surface of the lake mirrored the sky
polished

Applied to describe something that is well-finished, has a glossy surface, or is sophisticated and refined, often indicating professionalism.

  • The marble floors were polished to perfection
  • His polished presentation impressed the board members

Examples of usage

  • She had a sleek black sports car.
  • The cat's sleek fur gleamed in the sunlight.
Context #2 | Verb

movement

To move smoothly and efficiently with no noise or effort.

Synonyms

flow, glide, slide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sleek

This word is often used to describe something that is smooth, shiny, and elegant in appearance or design. It suggests a modern and polished look.

  • The sports car has a sleek design
  • Her sleek hair looked perfect after the salon visit
glide

This word is used when describing a smooth and effortless motion, often through the air or on a surface with little resistance. It implies a graceful and controlled movement.

  • The bird was able to glide effortlessly in the sky
  • She could glide across the ice with ease
slide

This word is used when referring to moving smoothly along a surface while maintaining continuous contact with it, often implying a downward or sideways motion. It can also suggest slipping unintentionally.

  • The children loved to slide down the hill
  • The documents began to slide off the desk
flow

This word is used to describe the smooth, continuous movement of a liquid or something that moves gracefully and effortlessly. It can also refer to the continuity of ideas or actions.

  • The river began to flow more rapidly due to the rain
  • His speech had a natural flow that kept the audience engaged

Examples of usage

  • The yacht sleeked through the water effortlessly.
  • The dancer sleeked across the stage gracefully.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Fashion

  • In the fashion industry, the term describes clothing that has a clean, polished look.
  • Sleek hairstyles often reflect contemporary trends, focusing on shine and minimalism.
  • Designers often aim for 'sleek' silhouettes to enhance the overall visual appeal.

Automotive

  • The automotive industry heavily uses 'sleek' to describe cars with smooth lines and an aerodynamic form.
  • Sleek designs can improve fuel efficiency by reducing air resistance.
  • Concept cars often prioritize 'sleek' aesthetics to showcase futuristic design ideas.

Technology

  • In tech design, 'sleek' refers to devices that are thin, lightweight, and exhibit a minimalist aesthetic.
  • Apple products are often characterized as 'sleek' due to their smooth finishes and elegant designs.
  • Sleek user interfaces focus on simplicity and usability, enhancing the user experience.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that 'sleek' products can create positive associations of trust and quality in consumer behavior.
  • People often perceive 'sleek' designs as more innovative and forward-thinking.
  • The concept of smoothness, whether in objects or experiences, is linked to feelings of comfort and satisfaction.

Origin of 'sleek'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sleek' comes from the Old Norse word 'slick,' meaning smooth or polished.
  • In the 18th century, it was often used to describe smooth, shiny hair or fur.
  • The meaning has evolved to include stylishness in appearance, especially in design and fashion.

The word 'sleek' originated from the Old Norse word 'slikr', meaning 'smooth'. Over time, it evolved into Middle English as 'sleke' before becoming 'sleek' in its current form. The term has been used since the 16th century to describe smooth, glossy surfaces or well-groomed appearances.

See also: sleekness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,194, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.