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slightly

adverb
SLYT-lee/ˈslaɪtli/

2 meanings of slightly

Practice

  1. 1
    a littleadverb
    Only a little; to no great extent.

    The two samples differed only slightly in color.

    He nodded, slightly amused by the question.

    UsageOften before comparatives (slightly better, slightly less) or after a verb of change (moved slightly). A little means much the same.

    Similarsomewhat, marginally

    Oppositevery, quite

    Note

    A degree word that turns the volume down rather than off: someone slightly amused is still amused.

  2. 2
    slenderadverb
    In a slender or delicate manner; without bulk or heaviness.

    The portrait shows a slightly built woman in a flowing gown.

    Though slightly built, the climber hauled herself over the ledge with ease.

    UsageUsually in slightly built, about a person's frame; it means slender here, not "a little".

    Similarlightly, slenderly, delicately, slimly

    Oppositeheavily, solidly, sturdily, powerfully

    Note

    Here the adverb keeps slight in its bodily meaning, slender and lightly made. It describes a build, not an amount, so it should not be read as the 'small degree' sense: a slightly built climber is slender, not somewhat built. Pairing it with but, as in slightly built but tall, makes that contrast with size clear.

Practice

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Origin

Formed from the adjective "slight" combined with the adverb-forming suffix "-ly".

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts