slippery - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
slippery Word Meanings
- smooth and likely to cause slipping
- difficult to detect or grasp
- not trustworthy or reliable
slippery Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
slippery Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈslɪp.əri/
US
/ˈslɪp.ɚ.i/
slippery Word Etymology
From Old English 'sliper', meaning 'smooth or slippery'. Connected to the idea of sliding easily. Imagine a fish gliding through water, slipping by effortlessly.
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
Slippery is an adjective with three common senses. Literally, it describes a surface that is smooth and hard to grip, such as a wet floor, ice, or a polished counter, which makes you slip. Figuratively, it means something difficult to grasp or hard to pin down, like uncertain evidence, a vague rule, or a deceptive person. In phrases, you’ll hear slippery slope, slippery road, or a slippery customer. Learners often mix it up with slick or glib for smooth talking, or with 'slippery' used incorrectly for things that are obvious. Remember to pair it with appropriate nouns (surface, road, evidence) and verbs (slip, slide).
Usage Reminders
- • Remember the literal vs figurative senses
- • Learn common collocations: slippery slope, slippery road, slippery customer
- • Pair with slip or slide as the main verbs
- • Watch for trust-related context vs physical surfaces
- • Distinguish from slick and glib in tone and meaning
- • Use appropriate prepositions (on, in, to) with the noun
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing slippery with slick when meaning 'smooth' rather than 'slippery' surfaces
- Thinking 'slippery person' means physically slippery, not figuratively untrustworthy
- Using slippery for obvious things that are not ambiguous
- Mixing up slippery with glib or insincere talk
- Forgetting to use on, in, or to with the right noun
Thinking Differences
English tends to dog-ear both literal and figurative senses of slippery; learners should pay attention to context cues and common idioms like slippery slope.
Learning Tips
- Learn both literal and figurative senses first
- Memorize common collocations (slippery slope, slippery road)
- Pair with slip/slide as the main verbs
- Note tonal difference from slick/glib
- Practice with real-life contexts (rain, evidence)
- Check prepositions with the noun (on, in, to)
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'slippery'?
A.Rough
B.Sticky
C.Smooth
D.Soft
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'slippery' used correctly?
A.The book is heavy and slippery to read.
B.The carpet is dry and slippery to touch.
C.The floor is slippery after it rains.
D.The cake is sweet and slippery to eat.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'slippery'?
A.Slick
B.Clumsy
C.Stable
D.Steady
Step 4: Opposite Words
In what real-world situation would you encounter something slippery?
A.Volcano
B.Desert
C.Ice rink
D.Mountain
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a time when you had to be cautious due to something being slippery?
A.Walking on a wet floor
B.Playing in the sand
C.Singing in a choir
D.Cooking a meal
Related Listening
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