IPA

Dictionary definition of slight

The act of deliberately treating someone with indifference, disrespect, or disregard in a manner that undermines their worth or importance.
"To slight her in front of her peers was a clear demonstration of his lack of respect."

Detailed meaning of slight

When someone slights another person, they intentionally ignore or downplay their presence, achievements, or opinions, causing them to feel diminished or undervalued. This form of insult can manifest through subtle gestures, dismissive remarks, or actions that convey a lack of consideration or appreciation for the individual's feelings or contributions. Slighting someone often seeks to belittle or undermine their self-esteem and can have a profound impact on their sense of self-worth and social standing. It is an intentional act of disrespect that can strain relationships, create animosity, or erode trust between individuals.

Example sentences of slight

1. I watched as they began to slight him at every opportunity, ignoring his contributions and ideas.
2. You may not realize it, but when you interrupt me, you slight me.
3. It's wrong to slight anyone based on their race, religion, or gender.
4. It's painful to see how they slight him, simply because he is different.
5. Even in a casual conversation, it is unkind to slight others.
6. She did nothing to deserve the way they slight her.

History and etymology of slight

The verb 'slight' traces its etymological origins to the Middle English word 'sleighten,' which was derived from the Old English 'slyhtan.' These early forms of the word conveyed the sense of craftiness, cunning, or slyness rather than the modern connotation of showing indifference or disrespect. The transition from its original meaning to its current usage occurred over time. By the 16th century, 'slight' had evolved to represent the act of treating someone with deliberate indifference or disregard, often in a way that belittles their worth or importance. This transformation reflects the subtle shift in the word's meaning, where the notion of being cunning or crafty transformed into the more negative sense of showing disrespect or neglect, ultimately giving us the contemporary understanding of 'slight' as a verb.

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Further usage examples of slight

1. Although they are teammates, they often slight each other, creating a toxic environment.
2. Nobody should have to bear the pain of watching their loved ones slight them.
3. The way they slight her behind her back is both mean-spirited and disrespectful.
4. It's not fair to slight people who are just trying to express their feelings.
5. To slight someone intentionally can cause a great deal of emotional harm.
6. Despite his achievements, they continued to slight him out of sheer jealousy.
7. They often slight her by dismissing her ideas during team meetings.
8. To slight others based on their background or appearance is a reflection of ignorance and prejudice.
9. In their selfishness, they began to slight her, refusing to acknowledge her efforts.
10. To slight anyone simply because of their status is an inhumane act.
11. They slight him every day, yet he always responds with kindness and patience.
12. If we slight each other over trivial disagreements, we will never make progress as a team.
13. It's heartbreaking to see how they slight her, even after all she's done for them.
14. Despite her efforts, he'd slight her, ignoring every achievement she made.
15. She shared her idea, but they would slight her, a nod to dismissive ways.
16. He spoke, voice loud, yet they'd slight him, eyes rolling, turning away.
17. In her glow of triumph, peers would slight her, cold shoulders prevailing.
18. Among friends, yet so alone, for even there, they slight him without care.
19. She'd shine; yet, in their eyes, they'd slight her, dismissing her light.
20. A genius, yet minds closed, doors shut; society would slight him swiftly.
21. Voices raised in joy, but to them, a whisper; they'd slight her, constantly.
22. His art told tales, but cold eyes would slight him, denying his narrative.
23. In halls of learning, voices soared; yet there, teachers slight her mind.
24. A hero to many, yet in their midst, colleagues slight him, unfazed, cold.