Definition

1. Noun:

   • A fine-grained metamorphic rock: A type of rock that splits easily into thin, flat layers. It is often dark grey in color.
   • A roofing material: Thin, flat pieces of slate rock used to cover roofs.
   • A writing surface (historical): A small, flat piece of slate, often framed in wood, used in the past for writing with chalk.
   • A list of candidates: A list of people nominated by a political party to run for election.

2. Verb:

   • To cover with slate: To install slate tiles on a roof or other surface.
   • To schedule or designate: To plan or designate something for a particular time or purpose.
   • To criticize severely (informal, chiefly British): To reprimand or attack someone harshly in speech or writing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The old schoolhouse had a roof made of slate.
  • The teacher wrote the lesson on a slate.
  • The party approved the final slate of candidates.

• Verb:

  • They decided to slate the roof for better durability.
  • The meeting is slated to begin at 3 PM.
  • The critic slated the new play in his review.

Advanced Usage

• "to be slated for": To be planned or intended for a particular fate or purpose.
  • The old building is slated for demolition next month.
• "to slate someone/something for": To designate or nominate someone for a role.
  • She was slated for the position of department head.

Variants and Related Words

• Slaty (adjective): Resembling or characteristic of slate, especially in color.
  • The sky had a slaty grey appearance before the storm.
• Slating (noun): The action of covering with slate; or severe criticism.
  • The slating of the roof took two weeks.
  • The film received a brutal slating from the press.

Synonyms

• Noun (rock): Shale, flagstone.
• Verb (schedule): Schedule, plan, designate.
• Verb (criticize): Lambaste, pan, criticize.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Slate off (informal, rare): To leave or depart.
  • It's late, I think I'll slate off now.

Related Idioms

• A clean slate: A fresh start, an opportunity to begin again without being held back by past mistakes.
  • After the apology, they decided to start with a clean slate.
• On the slate: Recorded as a debt to be paid later, especially in a pub.
  • Put this round of drinks on the slate; I'll pay next week.
• Wipe the slate clean: To forget past mistakes or debts and start over.
  • The agreement allowed both companies to wipe the slate clean.

Noun

1. a list of candidates nominated by a political party to run for election to public offices
2. a fine-grained metamorphic rock that can be split into thin layers
3. thin layers of rock used for roofing
4. (formerly) a writing tablet made of slate

Verb

1. cover with slate
   • slate the roof
2. enter on a list or slate for an election
   • He was slated for borough president
3. designate or schedule
   • He slated his talk for 9 AM
   • She was slated to be his successor