slur

C1 · Advanced Formal

v. to say something insulting or unfair about someone to damage their reputation.

v. to cast aspersions upon someone's character or to utter a derogatory remark intended to discredit.

“The politician was careful not to slur his opponent during the debate.”

“The editorial was criticised for attempting to slur the reputation of the activist without providing any concrete evidence of wrongdoing.”

C1 · Advanced Music Technical

v. to play or sing a group of musical notes smoothly without a break between them.

v. to perform a sequence of notes in a legato style, ensuring a smooth transition without separate articulation.

“The teacher asked the violinist to slur the next four notes.”

“The composer indicated that the woodwinds should slur the ascending scale to create a more fluid, ethereal atmosphere in the second movement.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a very offensive word or remark used to insult a person's race, religion, or background.

n. a derogatory or insulting term, specifically one directed at a particular social, racial, or ethnic group.

“The player was banned for using a racial slur during the game.”

“The use of a homophobic slur in the broadcast resulted in an immediate apology from the network and a formal investigation by the regulator.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Music Technical

n. a curved line over musical notes that shows they should be played smoothly.

n. a curved line placed over or under a group of notes to indicate they are to be played legato.

“Make sure you follow the slur marked in the third measure.”

“The pianist noted that the slur extended across the bar line, requiring a seamless connection between the two phrases.”