B1noun2K

Slice

UK /["/slaɪs/"]/US /["/slaɪs/"]/

Definition

a thin flat piece of bread, meat, cheese, etc. that has been cut off a larger piece; a piece of cake that has been cut from a larger cake

In simple words: To cut something into thin pieces.

Examples

  • I would like a slice of chocolate cake, please.
  • The chef used a sharp knife to slice the vegetables.
  • He took a slice out of the pie and enjoyed it.
  • To improve your skills, you need to take a slice out of your practice time each day.
  • She managed to slice through the competition and win the race.

Usage notes

Commonly used in cooking contexts, but can also mean to cut through something in a figurative sense, like slicing through a problem. Avoid using it in metaphorical contexts where 'cut' might be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

slice + object

Memory hint

Think of slicing bread — easy to remember when you picture a loaf being cut.

Collocations

  • big
  • generous
  • great
  • cut
  • eat
  • in slices
  • slice of
  • cut something into slices
  • big
  • huge
  • large
  • carve
  • carve out
  • get
  • slice of
  • a slice of life
  • a slice of the action
  • a slice of the pie

Synonyms

  • cut
  • carve
  • chop
  • incise
  • cleave

Antonyms

  • combine
  • whole
  • join

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'dice' when referring to cutting food.
  • Used as a standalone verb without an object.
  • Misunderstanding the past tense, using 'sliced' incorrectly.