# slight

/ˈsɫaɪt/ (US) · /slˈaɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/slight
Updated: 2026-07-09

## Senses

### 1. small in amount

adjective · CEFR B1

small in amount or degree; not very important or strong.

For teachers: small in amount, degree, or importance; often used to describe changes, differences, or physical sensations.

- There has been a slight change to our travel plans for tomorrow.
- The researchers noted a slight but statistically significant improvement in patient outcomes following the implementation of the new protocol.

### 2. thin or slender

adjective · CEFR B2

having a thin and delicate body.

For teachers: having a slender or delicate physical build.

- She was a slight woman, but she was surprisingly strong.
- Despite his slight frame, the young gymnast possessed remarkable upper-body strength and agility on the rings.

### 3. to ignore or disrespect

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to treat someone as if they are not important, often by ignoring them.

For teachers: to treat someone or something with disdain or neglect; to fail to show proper respect or attention.

- He felt that his boss had slighted him by not inviting him to the meeting.
- The diplomat felt slighted when he was seated at the far end of the table, away from the primary negotiators.

Usage: This is a transitive verb and requires a direct object.

### 4. an insult or snub

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

an action or remark that insults someone, usually by ignoring them.

For teachers: an instance of being treated with discourtesy or a lack of due respect; a deliberate snub.

- She took his failure to reply to her email as a personal slight.
- The omission of her name from the list of contributors was viewed by many as a calculated slight by the editorial board.

## Examples

- There is a slight chance of rain this afternoon.
- The doctor noticed a slight improvement in the patient's condition after the new treatment began.
- Even a slight deviation from the original architectural plans could compromise the structural integrity of the entire bridge, requiring a complete reassessment by the engineering team.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.