slight

[slahyt]

adjective

slighter, slightest 

1. small in amount, degree, etc..

   a slight increase;

   a slight odor.

   Antonyms: considerable

2. of little importance, influence, etc.; trivial.

   a slight cut.

   Synonyms: paltry, trifling, insignificant

3. slender or slim; not heavily built.

4. frail; flimsy; delicate.

   a slight fabric.

   Synonyms: fragile, feeble, weak

5. of little substance or strength.

   Synonyms: inconsiderable, unsubstantial

verb (used with object)

1. to treat as of little importance.

   Synonyms: scorn, disdain

2. to treat (someone) with indifference; ignore, especially pointedly or contemptuously; snub.

   to be slighted by society.

3. to do negligently; scamp.

   to slight one's studies.

noun

1. an act or instance of slighting or being slighted.

   The critics’ slights led her to change direction in her work.

   Synonyms: inattention, disregard, neglect

2. a pointed and contemptuous discourtesy; affront.

   She considered not being invited an unforgivable slight.

slight

/ slaɪt /

adjective

1. small in quantity or extent

2. of small importance; trifling

3. slim and delicate

4. lacking in strength or substance

5. dialect,  ill

verb

1. to show indifference or disregard for (someone); snub

2. to treat as unimportant or trifling

3. to devote inadequate attention to (work, duties, etc)

noun

1. an act or omission indicating supercilious neglect or indifference

Other Word Forms

• slightness noun
• slighter noun
• slightly adverb
• overslight adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of slight¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (adjective) “smooth, sleek, slender”; compare Old English -sliht- in eorth-slihtes “even with ground”; cognate with German schlicht, Old Norse slēttr, Gothic slaihts “smooth”

Word History and Origins

Origin of slight¹

C13: from Old Norse slēttr smooth; related to Old High German slehtr, Gothic slaihts, Middle Dutch slecht simple

Idioms and Phrases

see in the least (slightest).

Synonym Study

See slender. Slight, disregard, neglect, overlook mean to pay no attention or too little attention to someone or something. To slight is to give only superficial attention to something important: to slight one's work. To disregard is to pay no attention to a person or thing: to disregard the rules; in some circumstances, to disregard may be admirable: to disregard a handicap. To neglect is to shirk paying sufficient attention to a person or thing: to neglect one's correspondence. To overlook is to fail to see someone or something (possibly because of carelessness): to overlook a bill that is due. See insult.

Example Sentences

The start of his summer was hampered by a slight hamstring complaint that required a scan and careful managing during their training camp in Austria.

From BBC

However, there has also been something a bit Michael Jordan in the way the Invincibles have tried to get themselves going by imagining they have been slighted by opponents at times this season.

From BBC

Of 12 local authority areas in the region, eight have seen a slight or moderate increase but still range between 82% and 94%.

From BBC

Not significantly different, but if we follow the evidence there are signs of a slight shift in mood.

From BBC

I nervously replied that there had been a slight change of plans and asked him if he could disco as well as salsa.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• meager 
• minor 
• modest 
• negligible 
• slender 
• slim 
• superficial 
• trivial