slip
UK[slɪp]US[slɪp]
v
To slide accidentally and lose your balance or footing.
v
To move or pass smoothly, quickly, or easily.
n
A small or minor mistake.
n
A small piece of paper, especially one for writing on or giving information.
Etymology
The word 'slip' entered English from Middle Low German slippen or Middle Dutch slippen, meaning 'to slide, glide'. These Germanic forms are likely related to the Proto-Indo-European root sleib-, which carries the sense of being slippery or slimy. The core concept of smooth, uncontrolled motion evolved from this physical sense to encompass metaphorical extensions, such as making a minor error (a mental 'slip') or a small piece of paper that can 'slip' easily from a pad. This journey from a concrete physical action to abstract meanings demonstrates a classic pattern of semantic broadening.
Analysis
The word is a simplex. It is derived from Middle Low German or Middle Dutch, where its root relates to sliding or gliding.
Examples
Be careful not to slip on the wet floor.
She let the opportunity slip through her fingers.
He made a slip of the tongue during the speech.