Words / B2

SLYT/slaɪt/

Slight means small in amount or degree; as a noun/verb, an insult of being ignored: a slight increase; feel slighted. Small is everyday; minor is the formal twin. A slight increase is not a trend. Adverb: slightly (already in the dictionary). Mix-up: sleight (of hand) is trickery. Do not call a 40% rise slight.

Meaning

Small in amount or degree; also (noun/verb) an insult of being ignored.

Examples

• “A slight increase is not a trend until you have a second year of data.”
• “She felt slighted when her name was omitted, which is the insult sense.”

Good to know

a slight + noun; slightly. Formal small: minor. Trap: sleight. Data and literature. Small, or an insult — specify.

Near in meaning

minor

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