# slightest

/ˈsɫaɪtəst/ (US) · /slˈaɪtəst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/slightest
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the smallest amount

adjective · CEFR B1

the smallest possible amount or degree of something.

For teachers: the superlative degree of 'slight', indicating the absolute minimum of a quality, often used in negative constructions for emphasis.

- I don't have the slightest idea how to fix this broken computer.
- The witness claimed she did not have the slightest recollection of the events that transpired on the night of the incident.

### 2. very thin or small

adjective · CEFR B2

the most thin or small in physical size.

For teachers: the superlative form denoting the most slender or physically delicate among a group.

- He was the slightest of the three brothers, but he was also the fastest.
- The architect selected the slightest steel cables available to maintain the bridge's minimalist aesthetic without sacrificing safety.

## Examples

- I don't have the slightest idea what he means.
- She didn't show the slightest bit of fear when the storm began to rattle the windows.
- The witness claimed she did not have the slightest recollection of the events, despite the prosecutor presenting several photographs of her at the scene.

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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.