slight
SLITE
/slaɪt/
An insult caused by a failure to show proper respect or attention; to treat someone as unimportant.
A slight is often subtle, sometimes even unintentional, involving neglect rather than an active attack.
The story behind the word. Originally, 'slight' meant 'smooth' or 'flat' in Germanic languages, later evolving to mean 'thin' or 'unimportant.' To 'slight' someone is to treat them as if they have very little weight or importance.
Word relationships
- snub: A snub is a deliberate and often public act of ignoring someone.
- neglect: Neglect is a failure to care for; a slight is a failure to show respect.
- attention: Giving someone attention is the opposite of slighting them.
- recognition: Recognition acknowledges someone's importance.
Commonly confused with
- slight (adj): As an adjective, slight means small or thin; as a noun/verb, it refers to an insult.
Word family
- slighting (adjective): disrespectful or belittling
Collocations
- perceived slight
- social slight
- unintentional slight
Idioms & expressions
- to feel slighted
Example sentences
- "She felt a cold slight when her name was omitted from the guest list." Describing social exclusion.
- "He was careful not to slight any of his colleagues during the presentation." A professional context.
Memory hook
A SLIGHT is a SMALL insult that might be missed by others. Small but stings.
When not to use
Do not use for loud, aggressive verbal abuse; use 'invective' or 'vituperation' instead.
Fun facts
- In the 14th century, 'slight' could also mean 'clever' or 'crafty,' a meaning that survives in the phrase 'sleight of hand.'
Related words
Explore more words
inattention, negligent, negligence, disparage, snide, Ostracism
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