Slipperiest: meaning, definitions and examples
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slipperiest
[ˈslɪpəriəst ]
Definition
condition, surface
The term 'slipperiest' is the superlative form of the adjective 'slippery', used to describe something that is extremely difficult to hold onto or that poses a significant risk of slipping. This could refer to surfaces like ice, wet floors, or any object that lacks grip.
Synonyms
greasiest, slickest, smoothest.
Examples of usage
- The ice on the lake is the slipperiest I've ever seen.
- Be careful; that floor is the slipperiest after it rains.
- He found the slipperiest path in the forest to ride his bike.
- This shoe is advertised as having the slipperiest sole for better performance.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Old English 'slipe', which means to glide or slide.
- Historically, the base form 'slippery' has been used since the 14th century to describe surfaces that can be difficult to walk on.
- In different languages, translations often mirror the concept of something being hard to hold due to smoothness, like 'glissant' in French.
Science
- Materials like ice or oil demonstrate properties that can make them extremely slippery, often due to liquid layers on surfaces reducing friction.
- Biology shows that some animals have evolved special skin textures to prevent slipping while climbing, creating a fascinating parallel to the term.
- In physics, the concept of 'friction coefficient' explains the slipperiness of surfaces—some have very low coefficients, meaning they are easier to slide on.
Culture
- In various cultures, slippery situations are often metaphors for tricky or deceitful behavior, such as calling someone 'slippery' when they can’t be trusted.
- The term appears frequently in idioms round the world, illustrating ideas of uncertainty or danger, such as 'on slippery ground' meaning being in a precarious situation.
- In sports like ice skating and hockey, slippery ice is essential for fun and competition, showcasing how sports can embrace whilst contending with slipperiness.
Literature
- Famous authors like J.K. Rowling have used slippery themes in their work, relating to characters in dangerous or unpredictable situations.
- In poetry, the concept of slipperiness often symbolizes change, transition, or uncertainty, making it a powerful image in lyrical work.
- Throughout children's literature, stories involving 'slippery slopes' or runaway items often convey moral lessons about caution and responsibility.
Psychology
- People often describe certain relationships or situations as 'slippery' when they feel unpredictable or hard to grasp emotionally.
- The concept of slippery slope arguments in reasoning highlights how minor choices can lead to more significant, unexpected consequences.
- In cognitive psychology, slippery concepts illustrate how difficult it can be to keep hold of certain thoughts or memories.
Translations
Translations of the word "slipperiest" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mais escorregadio
🇮🇳 सबसे फिसलन वाला
🇩🇪 am rutschigsten
🇮🇩 paling licin
🇺🇦 найслизкіший
🇵🇱 najbardziej śliski
🇯🇵 最も滑りやすい
🇫🇷 le plus glissant
🇪🇸 el más resbaladizo
🇹🇷 en kaygan
🇰🇷 가장 미끄러운
🇸🇦 الأكثر انزلاقًا
🇨🇿 nejkluzčí
🇸🇰 najklzknejší
🇨🇳 最滑的
🇸🇮 najbolj spolzek
🇮🇸 mestu rennandi
🇰🇿 ең тайғақ
🇬🇪 ყველაზე სრიალა
🇦🇿 ən sürüşkən
🇲🇽 el más resbaloso
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,679, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.
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- 42676 crunchier
- 42677 cognoscente
- 42678 unresistant
- 42679 slipperiest
- 42680 scantest
- 42681 haggardly
- 42682 clownishly
- ...