slightest
slightest — adjective
1. so small in size or amount that it is easy to miss
so small in size or amount that it is easy to miss
There was a slight smell of smoke coming from the kitchen.
a slight + noun for a small amount
Hamza felt a slight pain in his knee after the long run.
The bridge has the slightest bend that most drivers never notice.
A slight change in the recipe gave the bread a sweeter taste.
The nurse noticed a slight rise in the patient's temperature.
- large
for amount or size
- considerable
for a noticeable, important amount
文法句型
a slight + noun
the slightest + noun
用法筆記
Frequently appears before nouns of change, sound, smell, or feeling. The superlative slightest stresses the very smallest possible degree.
2. used after not or without to stress that there is none of something whatsoever
used after not or without to stress that there is none of something whatsoever
Abigail had not the slightest idea where the keys had gone.
not the slightest + noun for total absence
The thief left without the slightest sound on the wooden floor.
without the slightest + noun
Indra showed not the slightest fear during the diving lesson.
The old engine starts at the slightest touch of the button.
Leo did not feel the slightest bit sorry for breaking the rules.
- least
the least often replaces the slightest in the same negative frame
文法句型
not the slightest + noun
without the slightest + noun
用法筆記
Only sense that almost always sits inside a negative or limiting frame (not, without, never). Distinguish from sense 1, which gives a positive small amount.
常見錯誤
3. having a thin, light body that looks easy to break
having a thin, light body that looks easy to break
Manuela was a slight woman who could slip through the narrow gate.
a slight + person for a thin build
The dancer had a slight frame but moved with great power.
slight frame
Despite his slight build, Zayd lifted the heavy box with ease.
The new student was slight and pale after weeks in hospital.
文法句型
a slight + person noun
slight build
用法筆記
Subject is usually a person or their body. Distinguish from sense 1, which describes amounts rather than physical build.
4. dealing with subjects that carry little weight or need little serious thought
dealing with subjects that carry little weight or need little serious thought
The critic called the new film slight but pleasant to watch.
slight describing a work of art
Yael wrote a slight story that readers finished in one sitting.
The talk felt slight, with no real argument behind the jokes.
Reviewers found the novel charming yet far too slight to study.
- trivial
trivial is stronger and more negative about the lack of value
- lightweight
lightweight often describes a person or work without depth
文法句型
a slight + abstract noun
用法筆記
Often describes books, films, or arguments judged as lightweight. Distinguish from sense 1: here the lack is in seriousness, not in quantity.
slightest — verb
1. to hurt someone's pride by paying them no attention or acting as if they count f
to hurt someone's pride by paying them no attention or acting as if they count for little
The host slighted Femi by seating him far from the main table.
slight someone by + action
Élise felt slighted when nobody thanked her for the meal.
feel slighted when + clause
The committee slighted the older staff by skipping their names.
Henrik never meant to slight his neighbor by forgetting the party.
文法句型
slight someone
feel slighted by someone
用法筆記
Frequently passive (be slighted, feel slighted). The object is a person whose worth is brushed aside, not a task.
常見錯誤
slightest — noun
1. a rude action that makes someone feel ignored or not valued
a rude action that makes someone feel ignored or not valued
Abigail took the cold greeting as a deliberate slight.
take something as a slight
Leaving the captain off the list was a clear slight to the team.
a slight to + person or group
Indra forgave the small slight and stayed for the rest of dinner.
The actor remembered every slight from his early days on stage.
- compliment
a remark that shows respect or praise
- courtesy
a polite, respectful act
文法句型
a slight to someone
take something as a slight
用法筆記
Object of feel, take as, or forgive. The harm is to a person's standing or pride, not to their body or property.