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slight

When used as an adjective meaning 'small,' it is often used to soften a statement to make it sound more polite or less certain. As a verb, 'slight' is most commonly found in the passive voice (e.g., 'to feel slighted'), describing the emotion of being ignored rather than the action of ignoring someone. Be careful not to confuse this with 'slim,' although both can describe a person\'s build. 'Slight' often implies a certain fragility or lack of strength.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, David is frantically trying to fix a slide deck before a board meeting.
David

Just tweaked the projections. It's a slight adjustment to the KPIs.

David
Victoria
Victoria

Cut the buzzwords, David. Is it an actual error or are you just hedging?

💡
David uses 'slight' to downplay a change in data (meaning small in degree), while Victoria uses 'hedging' as a professional idiom meaning to avoid committing to a definitive statement to minimize risk.

Meanings

adjective

Small in degree; inconsiderable.

"There is a slight chance of rain this afternoon."

adjective

Slender or frail in build.

"She had a slight frame that made her look younger than she was."

verb (transitive)

To insult someone by treating them without proper respect or ignoring them.

"He felt slighted when he wasn't invited to the board meeting."

noun

An action or remark that is insulting or disrespectful.

"The failure to mention her contribution was a deliberate slight."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error