SLIGHTLY

slightly, somewhat, more or less

(adverb) to a small degree or extent; “his arguments were somewhat self-contradictory”; “the children argued because one slice of cake was slightly larger than the other”

slenderly, slimly, slightly

(adverb) in a slim or slender manner; “a slenderly built woman”; “slightly built”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adverb

slightly (comparative more slightly, superlative most slightly)

Slenderly; delicately.

(degree) To a small extent or degree.

Synonyms: a little, marginally, somewhat

Antonyms: quite, very

Usage notes

Slightly is often used by the English to mean almost the opposite, something like rather. For example, "The big picture here of course is that still staggeringly low numbers of these migrants are being hired though, isn't it? And despite these rather positive tales we've just heard, there seems to be a broader, slightly grimmer picture which perhaps will have a lesson for other countries thinking of receiving migrants." (Ed Butler on BBC Business Daily, Sept. 23, 2016)

Source: Wiktionary

Slight"ly, adv.

1. In a slight manner.

2. Slightingly; negligently. [Obs.] Shak.

SLIGHT

Slight, n.

Definition: Sleight. Spenser.

Slight, v. t. Etym: [Cf. D. slechten to level, to demolish.]

1. To overthrow; to demolish. [Obs.] Clarendon.

2. To make even or level. [Obs.] Hexham.

3. To throw heedlessly. [Obs.] The rogue slighted me into the river. Shak.

Slight, a. [Compar. Slighter; superl. Slightest.] Etym: [OE. sli, sleght, probably from OD. slicht, slecht, simple, plain, D. slecht; akin to OFries. sliucht, G. schlecht, schlicht, OHG. sleht smooth, simple, Icel. sl smooth, Sw. slät, Goth. slaíhts; or uncertain origin.]

1. Not decidedly marked; not forcible; inconsiderable; unimportant; insignificant; not severe; weak; gentle; -- applied in a great variety of circumstances; as, a slight (i. e., feeble) effort; a slight (i. e., perishable) structure; a slight (i. e., not deep) impression; a slight (i. e., not convincing) argument; a slight (i. e., not thorough) examination; slight (i. e., not severe) pain, and the like. "At one slight bound." Milton. Slight is the subject, but not so the praise. Pope. Some firmly embrace doctrines upon slight grounds. Locke.

2. Not stout or heavy; slender. His own figure, which was formerly so slight. Sir W. Scott.

3. Foolish; silly; weak in intellect. Hudibras.

Slight, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Slighted; p. pr. & vb. n. Slighting.]

Definition: To disregard, as of little value and unworthy of notice; to make light of; as, to slight the divine commands. Milton. The wretch who slights the bounty of the skies. Cowper. To slight off, to treat slightingly; to drive off; to remove. [R.] -- To slight over, to run over in haste; to perform superficially; to treat carelessly; as, to slight over a theme. "They will but slight it over." Bacon.

Syn.

– To neglect; disregard; disdain; scorn.

– Slight, Neglect. To slight is stronger than to neglect. We may neglect a duty or person from inconsiderateness, or from being over- occupied in other concerns. To slight is always a positive and intentional act, resulting from feelings of dislike or contempt. We ought to put a kind construction on what appears neglect on the part of a friend; but when he slights us, it is obvious that he is our friend no longer. Beware . . . lest the like befall . . . If they transgress and slight that sole command. Milton. This my long-sufferance, and my day of grace, Those who neglect and scorn shall never taste. Milton.

Slight, n.

Definition: The act of slighting; the manifestation of a moderate degree of contempt, as by neglect or oversight; neglect; indignity.

Syn.

– Neglect; disregard; inattention; contempt; disdain; scorn; disgrace; indignity; disparagement.

Slight, adv.

Definition: Slightly. [Obs. or Poetic] Think not so slight of glory. Milton.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

SLIGHTLY

Etymology

Adverb

Usage notes

SLIGHT

Recent Word Finds

Word of the Day

LEAVE

Do you know this game?