Slides Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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slides

[slaษชdz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

presentation

A series of images or pages displayed one after another to convey information or illustrate a specific topic.

Synonyms

presentation, presentation deck, slideshow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
slides

Used to refer to individual pages or frames of a slideshow, often used in digital formats like PowerPoint. Suitable for describing the visual aids one uses in a presentation.

  • I need to finish my slides for tomorrow's meeting
  • Could you review these slides and give me feedback?
presentation

Refers to the entire act of presenting information to an audience, typically involves speaking alongside visual aids such as slides or charts. It's suitable for general use in formal and informal settings.

  • She gave an excellent presentation on climate change
  • During the presentation, he explained the project's roadmap
slideshow

Describes a series of slides put together in sequence, often used for viewing photos or other visual content. It's less formal and can be used for both professional and personal contexts.

  • We prepared a slideshow of our vacation photos
  • The teacher showed a slideshow to illustrate different historical events
presentation deck

Often used in business and professional settings to describe a complete set of slides used during a presentation. It emphasizes the collection of slides as a cohesive unit.

  • I'll send you the presentation deck before the meeting
  • The marketing team prepared an impressive presentation deck for the new product launch

Examples of usage

  • She prepared informative slides for her presentation.
  • The slides contained graphs and charts to support the data.
Context #2 | Noun

playground

A structure with a smooth sloping surface for children to slide down.

Synonyms

chute, playground slide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
slides

Use this word when referring to multiple playground slides or the action of sliding.

  • The kids were having fun going down the slides
  • Please be careful on the slides; they are wet from the rain
playground slide

Use this phrase when specifically referring to a slide found in a playground, often when explaining something to children or parents.

  • The new playground slide is very popular with the kids
  • Let's go to the park; they have a big playground slide
chute

This term is used in more technical or industrial contexts, often for objects that guide things like garbage or mail. It can also mean a slide used in airports for emergency evacuations.

  • The workers used a chute to send materials down to the lower level
  • We had to go down the emergency chute during the drill

Examples of usage

  • The kids were having fun on the slides in the playground.
  • The playground had multiple slides for different age groups.
Context #3 | Verb

move smoothly

To move smoothly along a surface, typically with a continuous contact.

Synonyms

glide, skim, slip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
slides

Casually or smoothly moving across a surface, often used to describe objects or people moving effortlessly.

  • The book slides off the table.
  • She slides into her seat without making a sound.
glide

Moving smoothly and continuously with little effort or resistance, often used for graceful or elegant motion.

  • The swan glides across the water.
  • He glides across the dance floor with ease.
slip

Losing oneโ€™s footing or balance and moving unintentionally, often resulting in a fall or near-fall; can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • She slips on the wet floor.
  • The dog slips out of his collar.
skim

Briefly or quickly moving over a surface or through something, often with the intention of not getting too involved or deep.

  • He skimmed through the book to find the main points.
  • The stone skims across the surface of the lake.

Examples of usage

  • The skater slid gracefully across the ice.
  • The snake slid silently through the grass.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The first slides were made of wood and appeared in the mid-19th century as part of outdoor playgrounds.
  • Metal slides became popular in the 20th century, offering a faster and smoother ride for children.
  • Slide designs have evolved significantly, with some modern slides incorporating twists and turns.

Design and Engineering

  • Slides are typically designed with a gentle slope to ensure safety while still providing fun.
  • The material used for slides can vary; plastic is common today, while earlier versions were frequently made of metal or wood.
  • Playground designers consider factors like height and angle to create accessible and safe slide experiences.

Cultural Significance

  • Slides are often seen as symbols of childhood joy, featured in various media as a representation of carefree play.
  • In many cultures, playgrounds with slides are essential parts of community spaces, encouraging social interaction among children.
  • Contests and competitions sometimes include slides, showcasing how much fun they bring to outdoor play.

Education

  • Slides can aid in physical development, helping children improve their balance and coordination.
  • They encourage social skills as children often take turns and interact while playing together.
  • Slides have been used in educational settings to teach concepts like gravity and motion in a playful environment.

Psychology

  • Playing on slides helps release endorphins in children, contributing to feelings of happiness and excitement.
  • Slides can also help children face fears as they learn to climb and slide down, fostering courage and confidence.
  • The thrill of going down a slide teaches children about risk-taking and controlled excitement in a safe setting.

Origin of 'slides'

The word 'slides' originated from the Old English word 'slidan', which meant 'to move smoothly'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various meanings related to smooth movement or presentation. The use of 'slides' in the context of presentations became popular with the advent of projection technology, allowing information to be visually displayed in a sequential manner.


See also: backslide, backsliding, slide, slider, slideshow, sliding.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,866 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.