slight
UK[slaɪt]US[slaɪt]
adj
small in size, degree, or amount
adj
not serious or important; minor
adj
thin and delicate
v
to insult someone by treating them without proper respect or attention; to snub
n
an insult caused by a lack of respect
Etymology
the word 'slight' originates from the old norse 'sléttr', meaning 'smooth, level, plain', which itself is related to the old english 'sliht' meaning 'smooth, simple'. the semantic journey from a physical description of smoothness or simplicity to its modern meanings is intriguing. the sense of 'small in size or degree' likely evolved from the idea of something being plain, simple, or of little substance. the verb and noun meanings relating to disrespect or snubbing developed later, stemming from the notion of treating someone as insignificant or of little importance.
Analysis
the word 'slight' is a simplex word of germanic origin. it cannot be meaningfully segmented into smaller morphemes in modern english.
Examples
there was a slight improvement in the weather this afternoon.
she felt slighted when her colleague didn't acknowledge her contribution.
he is of a very slight build for a rugby player.