Slighter

slight  (slt)

adj. slight·er, slight·est

1. Small in size, degree, or amount: a slight tilt; a slight surplus.

2. Lacking strength, substance, or solidity; frail: a slight foundation; slight evidence.

3. Of small importance or consideration; trifling: slight matters.

4. Small and slender in build or construction; delicate.

tr.v. slight·ed, slight·ing, slights

1. To treat as of small importance; make light of.

2. To treat with discourteous reserve or inattention.

3. To do negligently or thoughtlessly; scant.

n.

1. The act or an instance of slighting.

2. A deliberate discourtesy; a snub: "It is easier to recount grievances and slights than it is to set down a broad redress of such grievances and slights" (Elizabeth Kenny).

---

[Middle English, slender, smooth, possibly of Scandinavian origin; see lei- in Indo-European roots.]

---

slightness n.