slim
UK[slɪm]US[slɪm]
adj
(of a person) attractively thin
adj
(of a thing) very small or narrow
adj
(of a chance, possibility, etc.) very small
v
to make yourself thinner, for example by eating less
v
to reduce the size or number of something
Etymology
the word 'slim' entered english in the late 17th century from low german or dutch, where 'slim' meant 'crooked, sly, bad'. this negative connotation shifted in english, first to 'slight, slender' (often in a derogatory sense), and then to the positive modern sense of 'attractively thin'. its ultimate origin is obscure but it is a germanic word, possibly connected to an old high german word for 'weak'. the journey from meaning 'bad' or 'crooked' to a desirable physical quality is a notable example of semantic amelioration, where a word's meaning improves over time.
Analysis
this word is considered a simplex form. it is a loanword into english from low german or dutch, where its origins are uncertain but may be related to older germanic words implying 'slender' or 'weak'.
Examples
she has a naturally slim figure.
the company aims to slim down its workforce to cut costs.
there's only a slim chance of rain this afternoon.