Slate
/sleɪt/
Slate refers to a type of rock, a list of candidates, or a clean state from which one can start anew.
Examples
- Geologists examined the slated rock formations carefully.
- The program offers juveniles a chance to start with a slated record.
- The path was paved with split slate.
- The agreement reset all debts and provided a slate for future cooperation.
- Voters were asked to approve the entire slated ticket.
Meanings
From Old English sloedh, related to slate in Middle Dutch meaning 'shingle'. The word evolved to describe the stone used for roofing and writing tablets.
Examples
- The roof was covered in dark slate tiles.
- Geologists examined the slated rock formations carefully.
- She wrote her notes on a small piece of slate.
- The path was paved with split slate.
- This region is known for its high-quality slate quarries.
Derived from the use of actual slate boards to write down candidate names during early political meetings. Over time, the physical slate became a metaphor for the list itself.
Examples
- The party presented a unified slate of candidates.
- Voters were asked to approve the entire slated ticket.
- No one challenged the incumbent on the primary slate.
- They ran on an independent slate separate from the main party.
- The reform group introduced a new slate each election cycle.
Originally referred to actual slates used as writing surfaces that could be wiped clean. By the 1700s, 'clean slate' became a metaphor for starting over with no prior obligations.
Examples
- After the settlement, he was given a clean slate.
- The program offers juveniles a chance to start with a slated record.
- Let's wipe the board and begin anew on a slate.
- She left prison hoping for a slate free of judgment.
- The agreement reset all debts and provided a slate for future cooperation.