slight
/sl̥l͡ɐɪʔ̚/ · syl·light
noun
- The act of slighting; a deliberate act of neglect or discourtesy. Her slight of the new employee was evident in the way she ignored his questions.
- Sleight. The magician's sleight of hand was impressive, but the audience was not fooled.
verb
- To treat as unimportant or not worthy of attention; to make light of. She slighted his concerns and moved on to the next topic.
- To give lesser weight or importance to. The judge slighted the defendant's arguments and ruled in favor of the plaintiff.
- To treat with disdain or neglect, usually out of prejudice, hatred, or jealousy; to ignore disrespectfully. He slighted her because of her social status, but she didn't let it get to her.
adjective
- Small. She was a slight but graceful woman.
- Of slender build. He was a slight man, but he could run fast.
- Even, smooth or level. The slight stone was perfect for skipping across the water.
Did you know? The word 'slight' has been used in various contexts, including literature and politics. In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', the character Hamlet uses the word to describe the king's neglect of his father's memory.