slant
SLANT
/slænt/
A particular bias, angle, or thematic focus given to a story, report, or argument.
Suggests subtle shaping, selective framing, or emphasis of information rather than overt fabrications.
The story behind the word. Entered Middle English around 1300 meaning 'to slope sideways' or 'slide off course'. By the mid-19th century, journalists adopted the word metaphorically to describe leaning a news article toward a particular political direction.
Word relationships
- angle: An angle is a neutral thematic perspective; slant carries a connotation of deliberate bias.
- bias: Bias is a general tendency or prejudice; slant is the deliberate framing applied to a story.
- objectivity: Neutral presentation without personal framing or leaning.
Commonly confused with
- slope: Slope refers to a physical incline; slant can refer to physical inclination or metaphorical ideological bias.
Word family
- slanted (adjective): Presented with a specific bias or leaning.
Collocations
- political slant
- editorial slant
- slant coverage
- slant the story
Idioms & expressions
- tell it slant
Example sentences
- "The newspaper gave an economic slant to the environmental story, focusing primarily on job creation statistics." Media Studies
- "Emily Dickinson famously wrote, 'Tell all the truth but tell it slant,' highlighting the power of indirect expression." Poetry / Essay
Memory hook
SLANT: Lines that aren't straight. A SLANTED story isn't straight news. Leaning Frame
When not to use
Do not use for outright lies or invented news; slant implies real facts organized to favor an angle.
Fun facts
- In printing terminology, slanted text is known as italics, which ironically was invented to save space on paper.
Related words
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