Slips Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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slips
[slɪps ]
Definitions
wearable
A type of footwear that is easily put on and taken off, typically made of a thin rubber sole and a fabric upper.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| slips |
Light indoor shoes, usually soft and comfortable, not meant for outdoor use.
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| sandals |
Open-toed shoes with straps that can be worn in a variety of casual settings, both indoors and outdoors.
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| flip-flops |
Light, casual footwear usually worn in warm weather or at the beach; they have a thong that goes between the first and second toe.
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| slides |
Casual slip-on footwear with a single wide strap going over the foot; can be worn outdoors and are often sporty.
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Examples of usage
- She wore a pair of comfortable slips to the beach.
- He slipped on his favorite pair of slips before heading out.
mistake
An error or mistake, especially one made unintentionally.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| slips |
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.
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| mistake |
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.
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| error |
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.
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| blunder |
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.
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Examples of usage
- She made a slip in her presentation and quickly corrected herself.
- He slipped up and revealed the surprise party plans.
slide
To slide or lose one's footing unexpectedly, typically resulting in a sudden movement.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| slips |
This word is often used when someone unintentionally loses their balance or footing on a surface, usually due to it being slippery or slick.
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| slide |
This word is used when someone or something moves smoothly along a surface, often intentionally or as part of an activity.
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| skid |
This word often describes an uncontrolled sliding movement, typically of a vehicle, which can be dangerous.
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| glide |
This word is used when someone or something moves smoothly and effortlessly, usually implying gracefulness or ease.
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Examples of usage
- She slipped on the wet floor and fell.
- He slipped while climbing the steep hill.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Slips can be linked to 'slips of the tongue,' where people accidentally say the wrong word, revealing what they really think.
- Research shows that most accidental slips stem from cognitive overload, where the brain struggles to manage many tasks at once.
- Humans often laugh at slips because they highlight our imperfections, showing a shared understanding of the struggle in communication.
Safety
- Slips are one of the most common causes of workplace injuries, leading to millions of accidents each year.
- Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and obstacles are primary causes of slips, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols.
- Every year, safety campaigns educate people on how to reduce the risk of slips, including using proper footwear and cleaning spills promptly.
Pop Culture
- Slips are often depicted comically in movies and cartoons, where characters hilariously fall or lose balance.
- In famous films, characters slipping can be a pivotal moment that leads to humorous situations or even dramatic plot twists.
- Cartoon characters like Tom from 'Tom and Jerry' frequently encounter humorous slips, emphasizing how common and silly they can be.
Education
- In learning environments, slips in writing can teach students about proofreading and the importance of reviewing their work.
- Teachers often encourage students to learn from their slips, fostering a growth mindset where mistakes are seen as opportunities to improve.
- Educational psychology uses the study of slips to better understand cognitive processes and how people can be taught to avoid errors.
Origin of 'slips'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'slip' comes from the Old English word 'slypan,' which means 'to slide or fall.'
- In the 14th century, it began to be used broadly, including the idea of losing hold or control over something.
- The term has evolved in language to include both physical slips and metaphorical ones, like making mistakes.
The word 'slips' originated in the 14th century from the Middle English word 'slyppe', which meant to move smoothly or glide. Over time, it evolved to refer to both a type of footwear and a mistake or error.
See also: slip, slipper, slipperiness, slippers, slippery, slipping.