Slipped
/slɪpt/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo lose one's footing and slide unintentionally.
/slɪpt/
To slide unintentionally.
He slipped on the ice.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're walking and your foot suddenly goes out from under you because of something wet or smooth. That's when you've 'slipped'! For example, 'I slipped on the ice and landed on my bottom.'
👶 For kids: When your feet slide a little bit because the ground is wet or smooth!
More Examples
She slipped and fell.
The dog slipped on the hardwood floor.
How It's Used
"The hiker slipped on the wet rocks."
"The runner slipped and fell during the race."
To move, pass, or go quickly or smoothly.
/slɪpt/
The opportunity slipped through his fingers.
💡 Simply: Imagine something moving very quickly or easily. It's like when you hand someone a note and it 'slips' into their hands quickly. 'The deadline slipped by before I could finish the project.'
👶 For kids: When something moves super fast and easy, like when you let go of a toy, and it slips from your hand!
More Examples
Time slipped by quickly.
The news of the scandal slipped out to the press.
How It's Used
"Time slipped away while they were talking."
"The letter slipped through her fingers and onto the floor."
To make a mistake or error.
/slɪpt/
To make a mistake.
He slipped up on his facts during the debate.
💡 Simply: Imagine accidentally saying or doing something you shouldn't have. It's like when you 'slip up' and forget to do your homework. 'I slipped and told her the surprise party was for her.'
👶 For kids: When you make a little mistake, like saying something you weren't supposed to!
More Examples
She slipped and mentioned the surprise party.
I'm sorry; I slipped and made a mistake.
How It's Used
"He slipped up on his presentation."
"She slipped and accidentally revealed a confidential secret during the meeting."
To put on or take off quickly or easily.
/slɪpt/
He slipped the envelope into his pocket.
💡 Simply: Imagine quickly putting something on or off. Like when you 'slip on' your shoes before going out, or 'slip off' your coat. 'She slipped on her new dress for the party.'
👶 For kids: To put something on or take it off really quick and easy, like putting on a sock!
More Examples
She slipped on her shoes.
He quickly slipped the key into the lock.
How It's Used
"He slipped the ring on her finger."
"She slipped on her coat and left."
Synonyms
Skid
Slide
Flow
Glance
Pass
Mistaken
Don
Insert
Remove
Idioms & expressions
to let something slip
To reveal something unintentionally.
"He let the secret slip during the meeting."
slip of the tongue
An unintentional mistake when speaking.
"It was just a slip of the tongue; I didn't mean to say that."
From Middle English slippen, sluppen, from Old English *slīepan ('to slip, slide'), from Proto-Germanic *slīpaną ('to slip, slide').
The word 'slip' has been used since Old English times to describe sliding or moving easily. Early uses often referred to physical movements, but the meaning has expanded to include mistakes and the passage of time.
Memory tip
Imagine a banana peel. When you step on it, you *slip*!
Practice
Word Origin
Root: *slīpaną