slew - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
slew Word Meanings
- to turn or rotate something quickly
- a large number of something
- to throw or move something with force
slew Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
slew Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/sluː/
US
/slu/
slew Word Etymology
Root decomposition: none (related to 'slay'); Historical origin: Old English 'slēowan' (to move or swing); Memory image: Imagine a powerful person swinging a heavy sword, taking a mighty swing, or the slew of something indicating a big crowd or mass of things displaced.
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 InputReal Context
Slew has three common senses in modern English. As a noun, it means a large number or amount, as in 'a slew of problems' or 'a slew of options.' As a verb, it means to turn or rotate something quickly, for example 'to slew the wheel' or 'the car slewed around the bend.' It is also the irregular past tense of slay, meaning to kill someone or something, as in 'the knight slew the dragon.' There is also a sense of throwing or moving something with force in some contexts. The etymology points to Old English slēowan, later linked with 'slay.'
Usage Reminders
- Remember: use 'a slew of' with countable nouns to mean a large number
- Mind the pronunciation: /sluː/ for the noun and the present verb; the past tense of slay is also /sluː/ but a different word historically
- Differentiate by context: numbers vs turning vs killing
- Avoid overly formal writing with 'slew of'; prefer 'a large number of' in formal styles
- Note that 'slue' is a possible variant spelling in some dialects
- Practice collocations like 'a slew of options', 'slew around the corner'
Common Misconceptions
- Slew is only the past tense of slay; in fact it has multiple common uses today.
- ‘A slew’ does not mean a small amount; it implies a large, often surprising quantity.
- Slew and slue are sometimes treated as interchangeable spellings; they are related but distinct in usage.
- Using 'slew' as a present-tense verb is rare; ‘slews’ is the correct 3rd-person form.
- Avoid confusing 'slew' with 'slough' or other homophones; they have different meanings.
Thinking Differences
English learners often latch onto 'a slew' as just a long past form or a single sense, but the noun sense is common and informal, the verb sense is pragmatic (rotate/turn quickly), and the past tense of slay can surprise learners because it uses the same spelling as the noun and present tense verb in some contexts.
Learning Tips
- Read aloud phrases with 'a slew of' to fix the collocation.
- Practice pronouncing 'slew' in /sluː/ in all senses.
- Create mini flashcards for each sense (number, rotation, past of slay).
- Listen for 'slew' in news or literature to see formal vs informal usage.
- Use synonyms like 'a large number of' in formal writing.
- Be aware of 'slue' as an alternate spelling in some dialects.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'slew'?
A.A device used to measure speed
B.To cause something to turn or rotate
C.A large number or amount
D.A type of tree
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct sentence using the word 'slew'.
A.They slew the ruler to measure the length.
B.He had a slew of pizza for dinner last night.
C.She had a slew of busy work to finish before the deadline.
D.A slew of dogs were barking in the park.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'slew'?
A.Bunch
B.Scattered
C.Isolated
D.Minimal
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of the word 'slew'?
A.Surplus
B.Abundance
C.Scarcity
D.Plethora
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where 'slew' is used correctly?
A.There was a giant tree in the forest.
B.A lot of students showed up for the event.
C.She faced a slew of challenges during her project.
D.The event was canceled due to bad weather.
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