slippery
UK: ˈslɪpəri | US: ˈslɪpəri
Definition
adj. difficult to hold or stand on due to being smooth, wet, or icy
adj. (of a person) evasive or untrustworthy
adj. (of a situation or topic) tricky or unstable
Structure
slip <slide or lose footing>ery <adjective suffix indicating tendency>
Etymology
The word "slippery" originates from the verb "slip," derived from Old English slipan (to glide or slide), combined with the suffix "-ery," which forms adjectives denoting a tendency or quality. The root "slip" reflects the action of losing traction, while "-ery" amplifies this characteristic, creating a vivid descriptor for surfaces or behaviors that evade stability. Over time, the term expanded metaphorically to describe untrustworthy people or precarious situations.
Examples
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