slipperiness
UK[ˈslɪpərɪnəs]US[ˈslɪpərɪnəs]
n
the quality or state of being slippery, making it difficult to hold, stand on, or trust.
Morpheme Breakdown
slipp
er
i
ness
slipp
to slide
er
comparative/agent suffix
i
ness
state or quality
Etymology
the word's foundation lies in the germanic root "slip-", conveying the action of sliding. this evolved into the middle english verb "slippen". the addition of the "-er" suffix created the adjective "slippery", describing a surface prone to causing slides or something elusive. finally, the old english abstract noun suffix "-ness" was appended to form "slipperiness", transforming the descriptive quality into a defined state or condition. the entire construction logically charts a path from a concrete action, to a descriptive property, and finally to an abstract nominalized concept.
Analysis
Structure: slipp (to slide) + er (comparative/agent suffix) + i + ness (state or quality)
"slipp" is from the middle english root "slippen", of germanic origin, meaning to slide or glide. "er" is an english agent or comparative suffix, here forming the adjective "slippery". "ness" is an old english noun-forming suffix denoting a state or quality.
Examples
the slipperiness of the wet tiles made walking hazardous.
he was frustrated by the slipperiness of the political negotiations.
the slipperiness of the soap caused it to shoot out of her hand.