slate
Pronunciation: [sleɪt]
Context: “school and education”
(noun) a flat piece of stone or a special board used for writing. In the past, students would use a slate to write with chalk. It's like a small blackboard that you can carry around.
Example
The teacher gave each student a slate to practice their letters.
Example
I forgot my slate at home, so I couldn't write anything in class.
Example
Do you remember how to use a slate to write your name?
Context: “material and construction”
(noun) a type of rock that is used for making roofs and tiles. Slate is smooth and can be split into thin sheets. It's very strong and lasts a long time.
Example
The roof of our house is made of beautiful gray slate.
Example
The old roof was not made of slate; it was leaking everywhere.
Example
Is slate better than other materials for roofing?
Context: “planning and scheduling”
(verb) to schedule or plan something, like an event or activity. It’s like when you decide what you will do on a certain day.
Example
We can slate the meeting for next Tuesday at 10 AM.
Example
They didn't slate any time for fun during the busy week.
Example
When should we slate the team gathering?
Context: “politics and elections”
(noun) a list of candidates for election. When a group is running for some important job, they are on a slate together.
Example
The school had a strong slate of candidates for the student council.
Example
There was no slate of candidates running for that position this year.
Example
Who is on the slate for the upcoming election?