slate

[sleɪt]

slate Definition

• 1. a fine-grained gray, green, or bluish metamorphic rock easily split into smooth, flat pieces
• 2. a flat piece of slate used for writing on, typically framed in wood, formerly used in schools
• 3. a list of candidates for election to a post or office, typically a group sharing a set of political views

Using slate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "slate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The roof was made of slate tiles.

• Example

  He wrote his name on the slate with chalk.

• Example

  The party has announced its slate of candidates for the upcoming election.

slate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for slate

• record
• register
• roster
• schedule
• timetable

Antonyms for slate

• discharge
• dismissal

Phrases with slate

• clean slate

  a situation in which the past events are forgotten and a new start is made

  Example

  After the divorce, she wanted a clean slate and moved to a new city.

• on the slate

  recorded as a debt or an obligation to be paid later

  Example

  The drinks were put on the slate and paid at the end of the month.

• wipe the slate clean

  to forget past mistakes and start again with a fresh perspective

  Example

  After the company's bankruptcy, the new CEO decided to wipe the slate clean and rebrand the business.

Origins of slate

from Old French 'esclate', feminine past participle of 'esclater', meaning 'to break'

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Summary: slate in Brief

The term 'slate' [sleɪt] refers to a fine-grained rock that can be split into flat pieces, a flat piece of slate used for writing, and a list of candidates for election. It is used in phrases like 'clean slate,' meaning a fresh start, and 'on the slate,' meaning recorded as a debt. 'Slate' is also used to describe a timetable or schedule.