Slope

Definition

The term "slope" refers to a surface or line that is inclined or slanted, or the degree of inclination of such a surface or line. It can also refer to the mathematical rate of change between two points on a line.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sloʊp/
• Respelling: SLOHP

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sləʊp/
• Respelling: SLOHP

Etymology

The word "slope" originates from the Middle English "slopen," meaning "to slip or fall," which is derived from Old Norse "slópa," meaning "to slant" or "to slope."

Derivatives

• Sloped (adjective/verb)
• Sloping (adjective/verb)
• Upslope (noun/adjective)
• Downslope (noun/adjective)
• Reslope (verb)

Synonyms

• Incline
• Gradient
• Pitch

Antonyms

• Flat
• Horizontal
• Level

Usage

The term "slope" is commonly used in mathematics, geography, and engineering to describe inclinations or gradients. For example, "The slope of the hill made it challenging to climb," or "The line has a slope of 2 in the graph."

Related Terms

• Inclination: The degree of slant or tilt.
• Rise: The vertical change in a slope.
• Run: The horizontal change in a slope.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A surface or line that is inclined or slanted:
  • Example: "The slope of the road increased as we approached the mountain."
• The degree of inclination or gradient of a surface or line:
  • Example: "The slope of the roof helps to drain rainwater efficiently."
• In mathematics, the rate of change between two points on a line:
  • Example: "The slope of the line is calculated using the formula (rise/run)."

Verb

• To slant or incline from a level position:
  • Example: "The path slopes gently towards the river."
• To cause something to slant or incline:
  • Example: "They sloped the edges of the garden to improve drainage."