English Reference
verb

slipped

v.
US /ˈsɫɪpt/ UK /slˈɪpt/ slipped

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    to slide by accident on a wet or smooth surface.

    to lose one's footing or balance by sliding on a smooth, wet, or unstable surface.

    Simple

    He slipped on the icy pavement and nearly fell over.

    In context

    The hiker slipped on the loose gravel near the cliff edge, but fortunately, his companion caught his arm before he lost his balance entirely.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    to move somewhere quietly or quickly so people do not notice you.

    to move stealthily, quietly, or quickly to avoid detection or to leave a situation without ceremony.

    Simple

    She slipped out of the back door while the party was still loud.

    In context

    During the intermission, several guests slipped away from the theatre, having found the first act of the play entirely unconvincing.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    to put something into a small space or someone's hand quickly and quietly.

    to place or insert an object into a specific location with a smooth, quick, or surreptitious motion.

    Simple

    He slipped a twenty-dollar note into his pocket.

    In context

    The informant slipped the encrypted drive into the agent's coat pocket as they passed each other in the crowded station.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    to get worse or fall to a lower level.

    to decline in quality, value, or standard; often used for statistical or performance drops.

    Simple

    The company's profits slipped slightly during the last three months.

    In context

    Although the athlete remained competitive, her world ranking slipped after she was forced to withdraw from two major tournaments due to injury.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    to be forgotten by someone, especially a name or a date.

    to escape one's memory or attention; typically used with 'mind' or 'memory' as the subject or object.

    Simple

    I meant to call you yesterday, but the date just slipped my mind.

    In context

    The specific details of the contract had slipped his memory, necessitating a thorough review of the original documents before the following morning.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated