slight

13 synonyms and 5 antonyms for slight, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Adj — Small in degree or amount; minor.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

minor small little

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

slender delicate marginal negligible fragile slim

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

flimsy svelte tenuous rebuff

Synonyms by Meaning

1. adj

Small in degree or amount; minor.

“I felt a slight pain in my knee after the long walk.”

minor small slender delicate marginal negligible fragile slim flimsy svelte tenuous little

2. verb

To treat someone with disrespect or neglect, often by ignoring them.

“He did not mean to slight her, but he forgot to say thank you.”

Opposites

esteem venerate honor respect revere

3. noun

An act or remark that shows disrespect or disregard for someone.

“She took the missed invitation as a slight and said nothing.”

rebuff

How to use slight

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

slight chance slight increase feel slighted

Etymology

From Old English sliht, "smooth, level," related to "slick" — the sense shifted over time to mean "insignificant" and then "slender."

Full origin of slight →

Frequently asked questions

What does “slight” mean?

The word “slight” means small in degree or amount; minor. In plain terms, small or minor (as an adjective), or an act of disrespect and the verb for committing one.

How do you pronounce “slight”?

“Slight” is pronounced slahyt ([sl̥ɐɪt] in IPA).

How do you use “slight” in a sentence?

Here is “slight” used in a sentence: “There was only a slight chance of rain that afternoon.”

What part of speech is “slight”?

Depending on how it is used, “slight” can be an adjective, a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “slight” come from?

The word “slight” comes from Old English. From Old English sliht, "smooth, level," related to "slick" — the sense shifted over time to mean "insignificant" and then "slender.".

Is “slight” a common word?

“Slight” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “slight” have?

“Slight” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: small in degree or amount; minor.

What is the difference between slight and minor?

Both describe something small, but slight stresses a small degree or amount, as in 'a slight difference', while minor stresses low importance or seriousness, as in 'a minor problem'.

What is the difference between slight and slim?

In the build sense both mean thin, but slight suggests a small, delicate, or fragile frame, while slim suggests an attractively trim figure. Slight can also mean minor in degree, which slim cannot.

What is the difference between 'slight' and 'subtle'?

Slight means small in degree or amount, emphasising size, while subtle means delicate or hard to notice, emphasising fineness. A slight change is small; a subtle change is not obvious.

Can 'slight' be a verb or a noun as well as an adjective?

Yes. Besides the adjective meaning small or slender, 'slight' can be a verb meaning to insult someone by ignoring or overlooking them, and a noun meaning such an insult or snub.

People also searched

little small respect honor minor slim delicate esteem fragile marginal negligible slender

Nearby words

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