Slight
Pronunciation
- enPR: slīt, IPA: /slaɪt/
- Rhymes: -aɪt
- Homophones: sleight
Origin
From Old English sliht, from Proto-Germanic *slihtaz.
Full definition of slight
Adjective
slight
- Small, weak, or gentle; not decidedly marked; not forcible; inconsiderable; unimportant; insignificant; not severe.a slight (i.e., feeble) effort; a slight (i.e., not deep) impression; a slight (i.e., not convincing) argument; a slight (i.e., not thorough) examination; a slight (i.e., not severe) pain
- Alexander Pope (1688-1744)Slight is the subject, but not so the praise.
- John Locke (1632-1705)Some firmly embrace doctrines upon slight grounds.
- 1922, Ben Travers, A Cuckoo in the Nest Chapter 2, Mother very rightly resented the slightest hint of condescension. She considered that the exclusiveness of Peter's circle was due not to its distinction, but to the fact that it was an inner Babylon of prodigality and whoredom,....
- Not stout or heavy; slender.a slight but graceful woman
- Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832)his own figure, which was formerly so slight
- (obsolete) Foolish; silly; weak in intellect.
Synonyms
Derived terms
Verb
- To treat as slight or not worthy of attention, to make light of.
- Cowperthe wretch who slights the bounty of the skies
- To treat with disdain or neglect.
- To act negligently or carelessly.
- (military, of a fortification) To render no longer defensible by full or partial demolition.
- To make even or level.
- To throw heedlessly.
- ShakespeareThe rogue slighted me into the river.
Synonyms
Derived terms
Noun
slight
(plural slights)- The act of slighting; a deliberate act of neglect or discourtesy.
- Benjamin FranklinNever use a slighting expression to her, even in jest; for slights in jest, after frequent bandyings, are apt to end in angry earnest.
- Sleight.