slavery - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
slavery Word Meanings
- the condition of being owned by another person
- the state of being a slave
- systematic exploitation of people
slavery Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
slavery Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsleɪvəri/
US
/ˈsleɪvəri/
slavery Word Etymology
slavery = slave + -ery (suffix denoting a state or condition). Origin: Latin 'sclavus' (slave) → Old French 'esclave' → English. Image: Imagine a chain leading from a person to a master, symbolizing the loss of freedom.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I sit at the edge of the day and place my hands on the chair, then push to stand, only to feel the rhythm already set by someone else. A quiet clock keeps the pace, and my steps turn into a duty I did not choose. I adjust my breath, I keep my pace, even as a line pulls me forward. In this moment the idea of slavery enters not as a history lesson but as a felt state where choices are shaped by another, and I still find a way to move.
Real Context
Slavery is a loaded term with three close but distinct senses. It can mean the condition of being owned by another person, the state of being a slave within a legal or social system, and the broader pattern of systematic exploitation of people as property. The word is historically tied to many regions, including the Atlantic world, Africa, Asia, and Europe, and it remains central to studies of abolition, civil rights, and human rights today. Learners should distinguish slavery from related ideas like forced labor or servitude and from modern crimes such as human trafficking. The etymology links to the Latin sclavus and the image of a chain can help remember the loss of freedom.
Usage Reminders
- Remember slavery refers to ownership, a formal system, or exploitation. Avoid equating slavery with mere hard work or poverty. Distinguish from human trafficking and forced labor. Use abolition and emancipation context to discuss changes. Be aware of historical and contemporary uses of the term.
Common Misconceptions
- Slavery is only a historical thing and does not occur today.
- All slaves were of a single race or ethnicity.
- Slavery is the same as forced labor or human trafficking in every case.
- Slavery only affected individuals, not families or communities.
- The word slavery always refers to monetary ownership, not broader rights abuses.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Learn the three senses: ownership, system, exploitation.
- Differentiate slavery from forced labor and trafficking.
- Pair 'slavery' with historical contexts and rights discourse.
- Note collocations: abolish/abolition, emancipation, slave trade.
- Study related terms: slave, enslave, servitude.
- Practice with diverse historical examples to avoid Race-only stereotypes.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'slavery'?
A.A system of government
B.The state of being owned by someone else
C.A type of dance
D.A delicious food
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'slavery' used correctly?
A.Slavery was abolished in the United States in 1865.
B.She enjoyed the slavery of dancing in the rain.
C.Slavery is a beautiful form of art.
D.He found the slavery of reading books to be fulfilling.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'slavery'?
A.Captivity
B.Freedom
C.Joy
D.Peace
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite meaning of 'slavery'?
A.Ownership
B.Excellence
C.Kindness
D.Liberation
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context can 'slavery' be a serious issue?
A.Family reunions
B.Labor exploitation
C.Vacation planning
D.Art classes
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