slake
C2Formal, Literary, Technical
Definition
Meaning
To satisfy or quench, typically thirst, desire, or a requirement.
To cause (lime) to become hydrated by adding water, in chemistry and construction.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary verb sense (to satisfy) is often used with abstract or metaphorical thirsts. The secondary technical sense (to hydrate lime) is specific to building/chemistry contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The literal sense of quenching thirst is equally uncommon in both. The technical use with lime is more common in British English within construction/industrial fields.
Connotations
In both varieties, the 'quench' sense carries a literary, somewhat archaic connotation. It suggests a deep or final satisfaction.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general usage in both varieties. Most commonly encountered in literature or specific technical texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Slake] + [Noun Phrase: thirst, desire, curiosity][Slake] + [Noun Phrase: lime] + ([Prepositional Phrase: with water])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “slake one's thirst for knowledge”
- “to slake the fires of ambition”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in metaphorical contexts: 'The new investment slaked the company's need for capital.'
Academic
Used in literary studies (metaphorical thirst). In chemistry/engineering, used technically for 'slaking lime'.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound formal or old-fashioned.
Technical
Standard term in construction and chemistry for the process of combining quicklime with water.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They stopped at the pub to slake their thirst after the long walk.
- The builders will need to slake the lime before making the mortar.
American English
- Nothing could slake his desire to see the world.
- The contractor slaked the quicklime in a dedicated pit.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He drank deeply from the stream to slake his thirst.
- In historical novels, knights often slake their thirst with ale.
- The biography only served to slake my curiosity about the reclusive author's early life.
- The chemical process involves slaking the calcium oxide to produce calcium hydroxide.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a lake (sounds like 'slake') that you drink from to quench your thirst. 'I slake my thirst at the lake.'
Conceptual Metaphor
DESIRE IS THIRST (to slake a curiosity = to drink until the thirst for knowledge is gone).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'слак' (slack) or 'слэнг' (slang).
- The technical sense of 'slake lime' is 'гасить известь' (gasit' izvest'), which uses the verb 'гасить' (to extinguish), creating a potential false friend with the primary 'quench' meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for quenching fire ('slake the fire' is non-standard; 'quench the fire' is correct).
- Confusing with 'slack' (as in 'slack off').
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'quench' or 'satisfy' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'slake' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. It is most common in literary contexts (to slake one's thirst/desire) or specific technical fields (slaking lime).
They are often synonyms for satisfying thirst or desire. 'Slake' is more formal, literary, and can imply a more complete or final satisfaction. 'Quench' is more common and can also be used for fire/light ('quench a flame').
No. 'Slake' is a regular verb. The past tense and past participle are both 'slaked' (e.g., 'He slaked his thirst', 'The lime has been slaked').
It is a technical process in construction and chemistry where water is added to quicklime (calcium oxide), causing a vigorous reaction that produces heat and hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide), used in mortar and plaster.