What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
slippery
Example
Be careful, the floor is slippery after the rain. [slippery: adjective]
Example
The politician's stance on the issue was slippery and hard to pin down. [slippery: adjective]
Example
The lawyer's argument was slippery and hard to refute. [slippery: adjective]
smooth
Example
The table surface is smooth to the touch. [smooth: adjective]
Example
The project went smoothly without any major issues. [smoothly: adverb]
Example
She handled the situation with a smooth and calm demeanor. [smooth: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smooth is more commonly used than slippery in everyday language. Smooth is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while slippery is less common and often used in negative contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between slippery and smooth?
Both slippery and smooth can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, slippery is more likely to be used in informal contexts due to its negative connotation, while smooth is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
