slate
slate Lexical Profile
slate Game Scores & Validity
• verb
North American To schedule or designate for a particular time, event, or purpose.
"The highly anticipated sequel is slated for release next autumn."
British To criticize severely, especially in a public review.
"The new theatrical production was absolutely slated by the national critics."
To cover a roof or building with slate.
"The contractors arrived early to slate the roof before the heavy rains started."
• noun
A fine-grained, foliated metamorphic rock that splits easily into flat, smooth plates, historically used for roofing and writing surfaces.
"The old cottage in the village had a traditional roof made of natural slate."
A metaphorical record of someone's past behavior or actions, often referenced when starting anew.
"After paying off his debts, he felt like he was starting out with a clean slate."
A list of candidates presented by a political party or group for nomination or election.
"The political party agreed on a diverse slate of candidates for the upcoming municipal elections."
Word Nuance & Usage
In American English, the verb 'to slate' typically means to schedule or nominate, whereas in British English it frequently means to severely criticize.
• Rhymes for slate
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'slate' or 'slat', derived from Old French 'esclate' meaning 'a splinter or piece broken off', from the verb 'esclater' (to break into pieces).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.