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Slacken vs Slicken - What's the difference?

slacken | slicken |

In lang=en terms the difference between slacken and slicken

is that slacken is to make slack, less taut, or less intense while slicken is to make slick.

As verbs the difference between slacken and slicken

is that slacken is to gradually decrease in intensity or tautness; to become slack while slicken is to make slick.

As an adjective slicken is

(uk|dialect) sleek; smooth.

slacken

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To gradually decrease in intensity or tautness; to become slack.
  • The pace slackened .
  • * 1900 , , The House Behind the Cedars , Chapter I,
  • During this interlude, Warwick, though he had slackened his pace measurably, had so nearly closed the gap between himself and them as to hear the old woman say, with the dulcet negro intonation:...
  • * 1908 ,
  • He seemed tired, and the Rat let him rest unquestioned, understanding something of what was in his thoughts; knowing, too, the value all animals attach at times to mere silent companionship, when the weary muscles slacken and the mind marks time.
  • To make slack, less taut, or less intense.
  • * 1986 , Mari Sandoz, The Horsecatcher?
  • Elk slackened the rope so he could walk farther away, and together they went awkwardly up the trail toward the grassy little flat...
  • To deprive of cohesion by combining chemically with water; to slake.
  • to slack lime

    Anagrams

    *

    slicken

    English

    Etymology 1

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To make slick.
  • * 2001 , Nora Roberts, Hidden Star
  • Sweat dewed her skin, slickening it.

    Etymology 2

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (UK, dialect) sleek; smooth