Words / B2

SLOHP/sləʊp/

A slope is a surface higher at one end; as a verb, to have that angle: the slope of the line; a steep slope. Gradient is the maths/geography twin; incline is formal. Calculate the slope of the line. Mix-up: slop is spilled liquid; slope off is informal “leave”. Do not write slope for a vertical cliff.

Meaning

A surface that is higher at one end; also (verb) to have that angle.

Examples

• “Calculate the slope of the line, not just “it goes up”.”
• “The ski slope closed after the thaw, which is the hillside sense.”

Good to know

the slope of; a steep / gentle slope; slope down. Maths twin: gradient. Trap: slop. Graphs and geography. An incline, not a vertical drop.

Near in meaning

gradient

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