Slight Meaning
Slight Definition & Usage
Used to describe something that is small, not very noticeable, or lacking in importance or impact.
Examples
- "There was a slight chill in the air this morning, but nothing too uncomfortable."
- "She gave him a slight nod of approval, hardly noticeable unless you were paying attention."
- "The slight difference in color was only visible under close inspection."
- "He felt a slight headache coming on, but it didn’t last long."
- "The company reported only a slight increase in sales this quarter."
To disrespect or offend someone, typically by ignoring or dismissing them in a small, indirect way.
Examples
- "She felt slighted when her colleagues didn’t acknowledge her hard work during the meeting."
- "He was slighted by the comment, though he didn’t show it on his face."
- "It wasn’t his intention to slight her, but he didn’t call when he promised."
- "When they didn't invite him to the event, he felt deeply slighted."
- "She had been slightly slighted by the way they treated her, but she tried not to let it bother her."
Cultural Context
The word 'slight' has both a physical and a social dimension. As an adjective, it commonly appears in everyday descriptions of small differences or subtle qualities. As a verb, it carries a stronger emotional connotation, often related to social interactions, where a slight is an act of perceived disrespect or offense. The concept of 'slighting' someone is particularly common in more formal or nuanced social settings, such as in workplaces, professional gatherings, or intimate relationships.
The Subtle Slight
Story
The Subtle Slight
In a small, cozy café in the heart of the city, Maria sipped her cappuccino, her thoughts far away from the bustling world outside. She had been working at the same company for years, always giving her best. But today, something felt off. It had been a month since the big project was completed, and despite her crucial role, no one had acknowledged her contribution. Her colleague, Jon, had received the praise, the awards, the recognition. Maria didn’t want to make a scene, but she couldn’t help but feel slighted by the oversight. As she sat in the café, her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Jon. "Hey, can we catch up later? Got a small favor to ask." Maria hesitated. It wasn’t unusual for Jon to reach out, but today, her patience was worn thin. She replied coldly, "Sure, but just so you know, I’m a little busy." Jon’s reply came almost immediately, "It’s just a slight thing. Nothing major. Don’t worry." The words stung. 'Slight thing.' How many times had she brushed off her own achievements as just ‘slight things’ in the past? This wasn’t the first time Jon had made her feel invisible, but today it was different. She felt her frustration bubble up. Later that afternoon, Jon entered the café, looking sheepish. He had asked her to proofread a report he had 'forgotten' to do. The slight wasn’t intentional, he explained. But Maria could tell it wasn’t just the project. It was the pattern. Maria stood up, looking Jon in the eye. "I’m happy to help, but I think we need to talk about the bigger picture here. I don’t want to be the person always fixing your mistakes, Jon. Not anymore." Jon’s face softened, realizing his neglect. The slight had been small, but over time it had accumulated into something that couldn’t be ignored. Sometimes, it’s the slightest actions that hurt the most. As they parted ways that evening, Maria felt lighter. The subtlety of the slight had been replaced by clarity. She had stood up for herself, not with anger, but with the quiet strength of someone who had finally recognized their worth.
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