I. glide 1 /ɡlaɪd/ BrE AmE verb [intransitive]
[ Language: Old English ; Origin: glidan ]
1 . [always + adverb/preposition] to move smoothly and quietly, as if without effort
glide across/over/down etc
couples gliding over the dance floor
2 .
a) if a bird glides, it flies without moving its wings
b) if a plane glides, it flies without using an engine
3 . [always + adverb/preposition] to do or achieve things easily
glide through
Kennedy seemed to glide through life.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ slide to move smoothly over a surface while continuing to touch it:
The glass slid off the tray and crashed to the floor.
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The kids were having fun sliding around on the polished floor.
▪ slip to slide a short distance accidentally, and fall or lose your balance slightly:
Be careful you don’t slip on the ice.
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She slipped and broke her ankle.
▪ skid to slide sideways or forwards in a way that is difficult to control - used especially about a moving vehicle:
He slammed on the brakes and the car skidded to a halt.
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Go slowly in wet or icy weather, because it’s easy to skid.
▪ glide to move smoothly and quietly across water or a smooth surface, especially in a graceful way:
A swan was gliding across the lake.
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The ship glided into port.
▪ slither to slide in an awkward way, for example on a rough or muddy surface. Also used to describe the movement of a snake as it goes from side to side along the ground:
Tom slithered down the bank into the water.
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The snake slithered away and disappeared under a rock.
II. glide 2 BrE AmE noun [countable]
1 . a smooth quiet movement that seems to take no effort
2 . technical the act of moving from one musical note to another without a break in sound
3 . technical a vowel which is made by moving your tongue from one position to another ⇨ diphthong