Slips: meaning, definitions and examples

Light indoor shoes, usually soft and comfortable, not meant for outdoor use.

• She wore her slips around the house to keep her feet warm

Open-toed shoes with straps that can be worn in a variety of casual settings, both indoors and outdoors.

• She chose to wear sandals because they were comfortable and it was a hot day

Light, casual footwear usually worn in warm weather or at the beach; they have a thong that goes between the first and second toe.

• He always wears flip-flops when he goes to the beach

Casual slip-on footwear with a single wide strap going over the foot; can be worn outdoors and are often sporty.

• He quickly put on his slides to run an errand at the store

Use 'slips' to describe small, often unintentional mistakes that occur due to minor lapses in focus or concentration. These are typically not severe and are easily corrected.

• She made a few slips while typing the document, but they were quickly fixed
• He apologized for the slips in his speech

A 'mistake' is a general term for any incorrect or wrong action, decision, or judgment. It is the most versatile and can be used in a wide range of contexts, from everyday situations to more serious incidents.

• Forgetting her friend's birthday was a mistake she regretted
• He made a mistake in his math homework but quickly corrected it

An 'error' refers to a mistake or incorrect action often used in formal or technical contexts. It can involve calculations, processes, or any action where accuracy is vital.

• There was a critical error in the financial report that needed immediate attention
• The software error caused the program to crash

A 'blunder' is used to describe a significant mistake, often due to carelessness, lack of judgment, or misunderstanding. It usually implies a larger consequence and can be seen as embarrassing or foolish.

• The CEO's decision to invest in the failing company was a massive blunder
• He made a blunder by sending the email to the wrong person

This word is often used when someone unintentionally loses their balance or footing on a surface, usually due to it being slippery or slick.

• She slips on the icy sidewalk and falls.
• He slips on the wet floor in the kitchen.

This word is used when someone or something moves smoothly along a surface, often intentionally or as part of an activity.

• The children love to slide down the playground slide.
• She slides the book across the table to him.

This word often describes an uncontrolled sliding movement, typically of a vehicle, which can be dangerous.

• The car skids on the wet road.
• He skids his bike around the corner.

This word is used when someone or something moves smoothly and effortlessly, usually implying gracefulness or ease.

• The swan glides across the lake.
• She glides gracefully on the ice during her performance.