slate

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Archaic

n. a small, framed chalkboard used in the past for writing on with chalk.

n. a tablet of slate used for writing, historically common in schools before the widespread use of paper.

“The students in the old schoolhouse wrote their sums on a small slate.”

“The museum display featured a nineteenth-century slate and pencil, illustrating the rudimentary tools available to rural schoolchildren.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Politics American English

n. a list of people running for an election or a group of planned events.

n. a list of candidates for an election or a scheduled series of events or products.

“The party announced a full slate of candidates for the local elections.”

“The studio's upcoming slate of films includes three high-budget sequels and two original dramas.”

C1 · Advanced British English · Informal

v. to criticize a person, book, or film very strongly and publicly.

v. to subject to severe or hostile criticism; to lambaste.

“The critics slated the new play, calling it a waste of time.”

“The tabloid press slated the minister's performance during the debate, focusing on his inability to answer direct questions.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate American English

v. to plan for something to happen at a particular time.

v. to designate or schedule for a specific time or purpose.

“The new library is slated to open next summer.”

“The renovation project is slated for completion by the end of the fiscal year, provided the funding remains stable.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. having a dark, bluish-grey colour.

adj. of a dark grey colour with a slight blue tint, resembling slate rock.

“The sky was a cold, slate grey just before the storm began.”

“The designer chose a slate blue for the office walls to create a professional yet calming atmosphere.”