sliver
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈslɪv.ər/
KK: /ˈslɪvɚ/
noun
Definition
A thin, narrow piece that has been cut or broken off from something larger.
Example
She carefully picked up the sliver of glass from the floor.
Conversation
I found a tiny sliver of glass on the floor earlier.
Oh no, be careful! That can be really dangerous.
Yeah, I swept it up right away, but it was so small.
Good call! A sliver like that can easily go unnoticed.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
slice
fragment
shard
Antonyms
whole
mass
entirety
transitive verb
Definition
To cut or break something into thin, narrow pieces.
Example
She decided to sliver the chocolate into small pieces for the cake.
Tense Forms
Past: slivered
Past Participle: slivered
Conversation
I accidentally dropped the chocolate bar, and it slivered all over the floor.
Oh no! That's a mess.
Yeah, I guess I should be more careful with snacks in the future.
Root Explanation
Sliver originates from Middle English 'sliveren', meaning to split or to tear. It refers to a small, thin piece that has been split off from a larger object.
Memory Tip
Think of something that has been 'split' or 'torn' into a small piece — that's what a sliver is.
Visually Confused Words
siver
liver
slipover
stiver
solver
slimer
slider
slicer