slip etymology

Etymology:

The word "slip" is derived from the Middle English word "slipen," which in turn originated from the Old English word "slipian," meaning "to glide" or "to slide."

Meaning and Origin:

The term "slip" has a wide range of meanings, depending on the context in which it is used:

1. A Smooth Surface for Sliding:

  • Denotes a surface that is made smooth and inclined for objects to slide or roll down.
  • Examples: a waterslide, a tobogganing slope, a bowling lane.

2. A Mistake or Error:

  • Refers to an unintentional mistake, oversight, or error.
  • Examples: a slip of the tongue, a slip of the pen, a miscalculation.

3. A Small Piece or Fragment:

  • Indicates a narrow, elongated piece of paper, cloth, or material.
  • Examples: a slip of paper containing notes, a dress slip, a slip of fabric for a quilt.

4. To Glide or Slide:

  • Describes the action of moving smoothly and easily over a surface.
  • Examples: "The boat slipped through the water," "She slipped on the icy sidewalk."

5. To Escape or Depart:

  • Signifies the act of leaving or getting away from a place or situation.
  • Examples: "He slipped out of the room unnoticed," "The ship slipped its moorings and sailed away."

6. A Garment Worn Underneath:

  • Specifically refers to a lightweight dress or petticoat worn by women as an undergarment.
  • Examples: a nightgown slip, a satin slip.

7. A Phylogenetic Branch:

  • In evolutionary biology, it denotes a lineage or branch in a phylogenetic tree that represents a single ancestral species and its descendants.
  • Example: "The human slip is a branch of the primate tree."

slip relate terms

  • crack

    Etymology The word crack has multiple etymological origins Old English cracian o

  • crack

    Etymology The word crack has multiple etymological origins Old English cracian o

  • sleeve

    Etymology The word sleeve comes from the Old English word slēfe which is derived fr

  • slipper

    Etymology The word slipper comes from the Middle English word sliper which is thoug

  • slip

    Etymology The word slip is derived from the Middle English word slipen which in tur

  • manacle

    Etymology The word manacle comes from the Late Latin word manacula meaning handcuff

  • laugh

    Etymology The word laugh comes from the Middle English word laghchen which in turn d

  • slime

    Etymology The word slime is derived from the Old English word slim which means sli

  • slop

    Etymology The word slop has Old English origins dating back to the 9th century It is

  • sleave

    Etymology The word sleave is derived from the Old English word sliepe meaning a par

  • slope

    Etymology The word slope is derived from the Middle English word slope which origin

  • slant

    Etymology The word slant is derived from the Old English word slantan which means

  • lapse

    Etymology The word lapse originates from the Latin verb labi meaning to slip fall

  • lobe

    Etymology The word lobe comes from the Middle English word lobbe which is derived fr

  • case

    Etymology The word case derives from the Old French word cas which in turn comes fro

  • forget

    Forget Etymology Old English forgietan from Proto Germanic for getan to forget neg

  • stumble

    Etymology The word stumble comes from the Middle English word stomblen which is tho