Slants

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈslænts/

Definitions

1. A particular angle of inclination can describe a diagonal position | When referring to opinions, it indicates a biased perspective | It can also refer to varying levels of difficulty or taste in differing contexts
2. An inclination or angle can denote a sloped position | A partiality in viewpoint suggests a one-sided perspective | Differences in taste or difficulty levels can illustrate varying aspects in diverse situations
3. The term can indicate a slope or an angled approach | A subjective viewpoint may reflect a biased attitude | Variations in difficulty or preferences highlight contrasting features in various contexts

Etymology: The noun and verb form of this word both derive from the base verb "to slant," which entered English in the late Middle Ages, around the 15th century. Originally, it described something set at an oblique angle rather than straight or vertical, capturing the sense of leaning or tilting. This physical notion of inclination or deviation from a perpendicular line is the root from which its various meanings spread. The verb form gained a figurative use by the 17th century, extending its meaning to refer to presenting information or a viewpoint in a biased or one-sided way. This shift from a physical tilt to a mental or rhetorical "tilt" reflects how language often maps spatial concepts onto abstract ideas. When someone "slants" a story or argument, they are metaphorically inclining it away from neutrality, favoring one perspective over others. As a noun, the word can denote either the physical angle of something or a particular bias or perspective. In journalism and criticism, for example, "slant" came to mean a slanted viewpoint or an editorial bias, especially by the 19th century. This usage highlights how the idea of an angle became a metaphor for partiality or distortion in information. The origin of the base verb is uncertain but is likely related to the Scandinavian word "slanta," meaning "to limp" or "to incline," which itself might come from Old Norse roots. This connection to movement and leaning emphasizes the core idea of deviation from the straight or expected path, whether literally or figuratively. Over time, the word has maintained a close link between its literal and metaphorical senses, making it a clear example of how spatial and physical experiences underpin abstract language. Its plural form simply extends these meanings to multiple instances of angle or bias.

Synonyms: angles, tilts

Antonyms: level, straight