slight

¹slight

adjective \ˈslīt\

Definition of SLIGHT

1

a : having a slim or delicate build : not stout or massive in body

b : lacking in strength or substance : flimsy, frail

c : deficient in weight, solidity, or importance : trivial <a slight movie>

2

: small of its kind or in amount <a slight chance> <a slight odor of gas>

— slight·ly adverb

— slight·ness noun

Examples of SLIGHT

1. There is a slight chance of rain.
2. Her head is tilted at a slight angle in the picture.
3. If you have even the slightest doubt, then don't do it.

Origin of SLIGHT

Middle English, smooth, slight, probably from Old English sliht- (in eorth-slihtes level with the ground); akin to Old High German sleht smooth, slīhhan to glide — more at slick

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SLIGHT

Synonyms

asthenic, debilitated, delicate, down-and-out, effete, enervated, enfeebled, faint, feeble, frail, infirm, languid, low, prostrate, prostrated, sapped, weak, soft, softened, tender, unsubstantial, wasted, weakened, wimpish, wimpy

Antonyms

mighty, powerful, rugged, stalwart, stout, strong

Related Words

challenged, disabled, incapacitated, invalid; paralyzed; broken-down, decrepit; impotent, powerless; breakable, flimsy, fragile; dizzy, groggy, rocky, unsteady, woozy; drained, exhausted, flagging, tired, weary, worn-out; damaged, harmed, hurt, impaired, injured, lame, unsound; resistless, susceptible, unresistant, vulnerable, yielding

Near Antonyms

able-bodied, athletic, beefy, brawny, fit, husky, muscular, sinewy, strapping, virile; hard, hardy, lusty, red-blooded, robust, sturdy, tough; fortified, hardened, inured, strengthened, toughened; energetic, energized, invigorated, vigorous, vitalized; hale, healthy, sound; capable, competent; convalescing, recovering, recuperating

See Synonym Discussion at thin

²slight

transitive verb

Definition of SLIGHT

1

: to treat as slight or unimportant : make light of

2

: to treat with disdain or indifference <slight a guest>

3

: to perform or attend to carelessly and inadequately <don't slight your work>

Examples of SLIGHT

1. I'm sure he didn't mean to slight you.
2. He was slighted by his colleagues.

First Known Use of SLIGHT

1586

Related to SLIGHT

Synonyms

affront, dis (also diss) [slang], disrespect, offend, outrage, slap, insult, wound

Antonyms

honor, respect

Related Words

cut, snub; displease, distress, disturb, hurt, miff, pain, trouble, upset; jeer, mock, ridicule, sneer (at), taunt; defame, disparage, libel, malign, revile, slander, slur, smear; oppress, persecute, torment, torture

Near Antonyms

acclaim, applaud, approve, hail; commend, compliment, eulogize, praise; adulate, flatter, sweet-talk; exalt, glorify, honor; delight, gratify, please, satisfy

See Synonym Discussion at neglect

³slight

noun

Definition of SLIGHT

1

: an act or an instance of slighting

2

: an instance of being slighted : a humiliating discourtesy

Examples of SLIGHT

1. <refused to respond to their petty slights>

First Known Use of SLIGHT

1701

Related to SLIGHT

Synonyms

affront, barb, brickbat, cut, dart, dig, dis (also diss) [slang], epithet, gird, indignity, name, offense (or offence), outrage, personality, poke, put-down, sarcasm, slap, insult, slur

Related Words

catcall, gibe (or jibe), jeer, mock, quip, sneer, taunt; abuse, invective, vituperation; disapproval, opprobrium; disgrace, dishonor, shame; attack, criticism, knock, slam, swipe; torment, torture

Near Antonyms

accolade, commendation, compliment; acclaim, applause, praise; adulation, flattery