slather
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: 1. To spread or apply a thick, generous, or excessive amount of a substance (like butter, sauce, or cream) onto a surface. - The action involves covering something liberally and often messily with a soft, viscous material.
Usage
The verb "slather" is used with a direct object (the surface receiving the substance) and is typically followed by "with" to introduce the substance being applied. It implies a generous, sometimes excessive, application. - Structure: to slather [something] with [a substance].
Examples
- Verb:
- He slathered the warm toast with butter.
- For the barbecue, she slathered the ribs with tangy sauce.
- I always slather my skin with sunscreen before going to the beach.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: "Slather" can be used figuratively to mean applying or bestowing something non-physical in an abundant or excessive manner.
- The author slathered praise on her mentor in the book's acknowledgements.
- The politician slathered his speech with promises.
Variants and Related Words
- Slathering (noun/gerund): The act of applying a substance thickly.
- The slathering of mayonnaise made the sandwich messy but delicious.
Synonyms
- Smother: To cover thickly.
- Plaster: To apply thickly or liberally.
- Coat: To cover with a layer.
- Lather: To cover with lather or foam (often used for soap).
Phrasal Verbs
Note: "Slather" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is contained in the single verb form.
Related Idioms
Note: There are no common idioms that use the word "slather" as their core component.
Verb
- spread thickly
- I can't eat bagels without slathering them with cream cheese