“Slate” can mean a flat piece of dark rock, often used for roofing, floors, or writing boards in the past. It can also mean a list of people or things, especially when someone says they have a “clean slate,” which means a fresh start.
People use “slate” in everyday language in a few common ways. For example, a school may slate an event for next week, meaning it is planned or scheduled. In business and politics, a slate can also mean a group of candidates or a full list of names.
Meaning & Usage
The word “slate” is used for both a material and an idea. As a material, it refers to stone. As an expression, it often means a plan, list, or fresh start.
Examples
“The roof is made of slate.”
“They have a full slate of speakers for the conference.”
“After moving to a new city, she felt like she had a clean slate.”
What does “clean slate” mean?
It means a fresh start, with no past mistakes or problems being carried over.
Can “slate” mean a schedule?
Yes. People sometimes use it to mean something is planned or set for a certain time.
Is “slate” a noun or a verb?
It is usually a noun, but it can also be used as a verb in some contexts, meaning to schedule or plan something.
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