C1verb informal 2K

Slap

🇬🇧 UK /["/slæp/","/slæps/","/slæpt/","/ˈslæpɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/slæp/","/slæps/","/slæpt/","/ˈslæpɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Slap

to hit somebody/something with the flat part of your hand

In simple words: to hit someone or something with your hand quickly

Slap in a sentence

• She gave him a slap on the cheek to express her anger.
• During the play, the actor delivered a slap that echoed through the theater.
• He decided to slap the bumper sticker onto his car without much thought.
• The chef will slap the dough flat before rolling it out.
• You shouldn’t slap someone just because you’re upset.
• The company slapped a new tax on imported goods unexpectedly.
• She had to slap a quick solution together to fix the leaking pipe.
• He heard the slap of the ball against the bat during the game.

How to use Slap

Used in casual contexts; can refer to hitting playfully or angrily. Avoid in formal situations or when discussing violence. Often used in comedic or light-hearted scenarios.

Grammar pattern

slap + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'slap' — imagine a hand quickly coming down on a cheek.

Related words

Collocations with Slap

• hard
• gently
• lightly
• across
• on
• slap somebody in the face

Synonyms for Slap

• smack

Opposites of Slap

• caress
• hug
• embrace

Common mistakes with Slap

• Confused with 'slapstick' — they are related but different.
• Using 'slap' without an object, e.g., 'I slap' instead of 'I slap him.'
• Mixing it up with 'smack', which can have a slightly different connotation.

Frequently asked questions about Slap

What does Slap mean?

to hit someone or something with your hand quickly

What is the definition of Slap?

to hit somebody/something with the flat part of your hand

How do you use Slap in a sentence?

She gave him a slap on the cheek to express her anger.

Can you give another example of Slap?

During the play, the actor delivered a slap that echoed through the theater.

What are synonyms for Slap?

Common alternatives include smack.

What is the opposite of Slap?

Opposite meanings include caress, hug, embrace.

What words go with Slap?

It commonly pairs with hard, gently, lightly, across, on, slap somebody in the face.

What are common mistakes when using Slap?

Confused with 'slapstick' — they are related but different. Using 'slap' without an object, e.g., 'I slap' instead of 'I slap him.' Mixing it up with 'smack', which can have a slightly different connotation.

How do you pronounce Slap?

US: /["/slæp/","/slæps/","/slæpt/","/ˈslæpɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/slæp/","/slæps/","/slæpt/","/ˈslæpɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Slap formal or informal?

"Slap" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use Slap?

Used in casual contexts; can refer to hitting playfully or angrily. Avoid in formal situations or when discussing violence. Often used in comedic or light-hearted scenarios.

What CEFR level is Slap?

"Slap" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.