Slipperiest: meaning, definitions and examples

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slipperiest

 

[ˈslɪpəriəst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

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.