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Sliver Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sliver

[ˈslɪvər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

metal

A small, thin, narrow piece of something, especially metal.

Synonyms

chip, shard, splinter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sliver

This word is often used to describe a small, thin piece of something, usually broken or cut off from a larger piece. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.

  • She carefully picked up a sliver of glass from the floor.
  • He only gave me a sliver of his attention during the meeting.
splinter

Splinter is used for a small, thin, sharp piece of material that has broken off from a larger piece, often wood or metal, which can cause injury.

  • He got a splinter in his finger while handling the old wooden fence.
  • The metal railing splintered into tiny pieces.
shard

Shard usually describes a sharp, broken piece of a hard material, such as glass or pottery. It often implies danger or sharpness due to its pointed edges.

  • She found a shard of broken glass on the sidewalk.
  • Careful, there are shards of pottery on the floor!
chip

A chip typically refers to a small, flat piece broken off from a larger object or a small fragment, often seen in contexts like electronics, pottery, or food.

  • He ate a chip of the chocolate bar.
  • There was a chip in the paint on the wall.

Examples of usage

  • A sliver of silver
  • She got a sliver of wood stuck in her finger.
Context #2 | Verb

cut

To cut or split into small, thin, narrow pieces.

Synonyms

chop, cut, slice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sliver

Use this word when referring to a very thin, narrow piece of something, often accidentally or naturally broken from a larger piece.

  • I got a sliver of glass stuck in my finger
  • She gave me a sliver of the cake to taste
slice

Chain this word to describe cutting something into thin, uniform pieces, often when referring to food items like bread, meat, or vegetables.

  • I need to slice the bread before making sandwiches
  • She carefully sliced the tomatoes for the salad
cut

This word is versatile and can be used in many situations where something is divided into pieces with a sharp tool. It can be general or specific, and its context depends on the subject being cut.

  • She cut the paper with scissors
  • He cut his finger while preparing dinner
chop

This word is suitable when referring to cutting something into pieces, usually with a strong, downward motion, often used with food preparation or woodcutting.

  • I need to chop some onions for the soup
  • He chopped the wood into smaller pieces for the fire

Examples of usage

  • She slivered the carrots for the salad.
  • He slivered the wood with a sharp knife.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In materials science, a 'sliver' can refer to a small fragment of a material that may serve as a defect or impurity.
  • In botany, slivers may refer to thin slices of plant tissue used in grafting to propagate plants.
  • The appearance of slivers in rocks, known as slivers in geology, indicates tectonic movements.

Literature

  • In literature, the phrase 'a sliver of hope' is often used to indicate a small amount of optimism in dire situations.
  • Authors sometimes use the imagery of slivers to evoke feelings of fragility and precision in descriptions.
  • The term is often found in poetry to explore themes of loss or the remnants of something larger.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, characters might dramatically cut slivers of cake to symbolize sharing moments or relationships.
  • The concept of slivers appears in various video games, often representing a fragile resource that players must manage carefully.
  • Lyrics in popular music sometimes use the term to denote small but significant moments in relationships.

Psychology

  • The idea of a sliver can symbolize the fragmentation of thoughts or memories in psychological discussions.
  • In cognitive therapy, addressing 'slivers' of negative thought patterns can help individuals build healthier mental states.
  • The sliver metaphor often illustrates how small, seemingly insignificant events can have a large impact on our overall experiences.

Origin of 'sliver'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sliver' comes from the Middle English 'slyvere', which means to split or tear off.
  • It is related to the Old Norse word 'slífa', meaning to cut or slice.
  • The transition of the term into modern English began in the 14th century, reflecting practices of cutting materials.

The word 'sliver' originated in Middle English from the Old English word 'slifer', meaning a splinter or fragment. Over time, the meaning expanded to include small, thin pieces of various materials. The use of 'sliver' in the context of metal dates back to the 14th century.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,640, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.