slight

American  

[slahyt] / slaɪt /

adjective

slighter, slightest

1. small in amount, degree, etc..

   a slight increase;

   a slight odor.

   Antonyms:

   considerable

2. of little importance, influence, etc.; trivial.

   a slight cut.

   Synonyms:

   paltry, trifling, insignificant

3. slender or slim; not heavily built.

4. frail; flimsy; delicate.

   a slight fabric.

   Synonyms:

   fragile, feeble, weak

5. of little substance or strength.

   Synonyms:

   inconsiderable, unsubstantial

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verb (used with object)

1. to treat as of little importance.

   Synonyms:

   scorn, disdain

2. to treat (someone) with indifference; ignore, especially pointedly or contemptuously; snub.

   to be slighted by society.

3. to do negligently; scamp.

   to slight one's studies.

noun

1. an act or instance of slighting or being slighted.

   The critics’ slights led her to change direction in her work.

   Synonyms:

   inattention, disregard, neglect

2. a pointed and contemptuous discourtesy; affront.

   She considered not being invited an unforgivable slight.

slight British  

/ slaɪt /

adjective

1. small in quantity or extent

2. of small importance; trifling

3. slim and delicate

4. lacking in strength or substance

5. dialect ill

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verb

1. to show indifference or disregard for (someone); snub

2. to treat as unimportant or trifling

3. to devote inadequate attention to (work, duties, etc)

noun

1. an act or omission indicating supercilious neglect or indifference

slight Idioms  

1. see in the least (slightest).

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Synonym Usage

See slender. Slight, disregard, neglect, overlook mean to pay no attention or too little attention to someone or something. To slight is to give only superficial attention to something important: to slight one's work. To disregard is to pay no attention to a person or thing: to disregard the rules; in some circumstances, to disregard may be admirable: to disregard a handicap. To neglect is to shirk paying sufficient attention to a person or thing: to neglect one's correspondence. To overlook is to fail to see someone or something (possibly because of carelessness): to overlook a bill that is due. See insult.

Other Word Forms

• overslight
  adjective
• slighter
  noun
• slightly
  adverb
• slightness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of slight

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (adjective) “smooth, sleek, slender”; compare Old English -sliht- in eorth-slihtes “even with ground”; cognate with German schlicht, Old Norse slēttr, Gothic slaihts “smooth”

Explanation

Anything slight is very small. There's a slight chance you'll run into a celebrity in New York City — in other words, don't count on it. A slight is also an insult, like giving someone the cold shoulder. Burr. Every meaning of slight stems from the Old Norse for "small or flimsy." If you have a slight build, you're slim with small bones. A slight deviation from your plan is a tiny adjustment. As a verb, to slight means to ignore or be indifferent toward someone; it's also the noun for the act of ignoring. If you direct a movie and the star doesn't thank you in her award acceptance speech, you'll be offended at the slight.

Example Sentences

Slight increases are expected by 26% of firms, while 11% see a significant increase and 24% expect spending to be similar to 2025 levels.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

Slight variations can be enough to put you off the scent because they distract you for a few moments, which is all it takes to achieve their aim.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 25, 2025

Slight changes in color can occur within the first six months after surgery, but the surgery is permanent.

From Salon • May 4, 2025

Slight display of entitlement from West Ham fans.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2024

Slight her and there will come a day when you call and she will not answer.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Related Words

• meager
• minor
• modest
• negligible
• slender
• slim
• superficial
• trivial