B2noun2K

Slope

UK /["/sləʊp/"]/US /["/sləʊp/"]/

Definition

a surface or piece of land that slopes (= is higher at one end than the other)

In simple words: A surface that goes up or down at an angle.

Examples

  • The slope of the hill made it difficult to climb.
  • We measured the slope of the roof to ensure proper drainage.
  • His argument started to slope down when he lost the audience's interest.
  • The slope of the graph indicates a steady increase over time.
  • The ski resort has various slopes for both beginners and experts.
  • She sketched a slope to illustrate the concept of acceleration.
  • The child loved to slide down the grassy slope in the park.
  • He noticed the slope of the trail was not as steep as he had anticipated.

Usage notes

Commonly used in mathematics and physics to describe angles or gradients. Not overly formal, but best in educational or casual contexts. Avoid in very informal speech.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a slide at the playground — it has a slope!

Collocations

  • precipitous
  • steep
  • gentle
  • ascend
  • clamber up
  • climb
  • lead to something
  • rise
  • level off
  • down a/​the slope
  • of a/​the slope
  • on a/​the slope
  • the bottom of a slope
  • the foot of a slope
  • the top of a slope
  • precipitous
  • steep
  • gentle
  • ascend
  • clamber up
  • climb
  • lead to something
  • rise
  • level off
  • down a/​the slope
  • of a/​the slope
  • on a/​the slope
  • the bottom of a slope
  • the foot of a slope
  • the top of a slope
  • precipitous
  • steep
  • gentle
  • ascend
  • clamber up
  • climb
  • lead to something
  • rise
  • level off
  • down a/​the slope
  • of a/​the slope
  • on a/​the slope
  • the bottom of a slope
  • the foot of a slope
  • the top of a slope

Synonyms

  • incline

Antonyms

  • flat
  • level

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'slop', leading to misunderstanding.
  • Using 'slope' incorrectly in a non-mathematical context.
  • Forgetting to specify degree or direction when discussing slopes.