Word
slightly
Phoneticsslight·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɫaɪtɫi/
UK/slˈaɪtli/
Adverb of degree
Definitions
01a small amount
B1 · Intermediate
adv. to a small degree or a little bit.
adv. to a small extent or degree; used to modify adjectives, verbs, or adverbs to indicate a minor difference.
日本語:少し※
“The temperature today is slightly warmer than it was yesterday.”
“The final report differed slightly from the initial draft, though the core recommendations remained largely unchanged.”
Pitfall
The new model is slightly more better.
The new model is slightly better.
Do not use 'more' with comparative adjectives like 'better' or 'faster', even when using 'slightly'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02delicately
C2 · Proficiency Literary
adv. in a thin or delicate way.
adv. in a slender, thin, or delicate manner. This sense is less common in modern speech and usually describes physical builds or structures.
“She was a slightly built woman who looked much younger than her age.”
“The pavilion was slightly constructed of bamboo and silk, appearing almost weightless against the garden backdrop.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “slightly” in context.
Verb
01. slightly alter
“We had to slightly alter our travel plans because of the train strike.”
adv + verb
02. slightly increase
“The company decided to slightly increase the price of its products this year.”
adv + verb
03. slightly modify
“You may need to slightly modify the recipe if you don't have all the ingredients.”
adv + verb
Etymology
From slight + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/slightly
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0