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
• Nearby Words
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).