Word: Slather
Definition:
"Slather" is a verb that means to spread something thickly or generously on a surface. It's often used when talking about food, like spreading butter, cream cheese, or sauce.
Usage Instructions:
When you use "slather," think about putting a lot of something on another thing, usually in a messy or abundant way. It's often used informally and can convey enthusiasm for how much of something is being used.
Example Sentence:
"I can't eat bagels without slathering them with cream cheese."
(Here, it means the person puts a lot of cream cheese on their bagel.)
Advanced Usage:
You might use "slather" in more creative or figurative ways. For example, you could say, "The children slathered paint on the canvas," which suggests they used a lot of paint in a carefree manner.
Word Variants:
- Slathering (noun): The act of spreading thickly.
Example: "The slathering of butter on the toast made it delicious."
- Slathered (adjective): Something that has been spread thickly.
Example: "The slathered pizza was covered in extra cheese."
Different Meanings:
While "slather" mainly refers to spreading something thickly, it can also imply doing something with great enthusiasm or abundance. For instance, "slathering on sunscreen" means applying a lot of sunscreen to protect the skin.
Synonyms:
- Spread - Slop - Coat - Smear - Layer
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly include "slather," but you might hear phrases like "slather on the charm," which means to be very charming or flattering in an exaggerated way.
In Summary:
"Slather" is a fun and expressive way to talk about putting a lot of something on something else, especially in a way that suggests enjoyment or carelessness.