slight

[ slahyt ]

adjective

, slight·er, slight·est.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈslightness, noun

Other Words From

• slight·er noun
• slight·ly adverb
• slight·ness noun
• o·ver·slight 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

Commander Murphy told the hearing that to call their appearance a surprise was a "slight understatement".

From BBC

The slight drop is partially accredited to the community distribution of naloxone, a medicine used to reverse the effects of opioids and stabilize breathing.

From Los Angeles Times

To counteract the slight bitterness of the cocoa, Melton’s pumpkin pie filling also incorporates smooth, nutty tahini.

From Salon

"I'd met Salah and he seemed really friendly, he didn't seem in the slightest bit like his brother."

From BBC

That marked a slight uptick from 2.4% the month before, as housing and food costs marched higher.

From BBC

Related Words

• disparage
• scorn
• snub