Skip to main content

slightlyto a small degree; not very much

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: to a small degree; not very much

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈslaɪtli/

Example Sentences

  • My coffee is slightly too hot - I need to wait for it to cool down a bit.
  • He's slightly taller than me, but I'm slightly better looking.
  • The painting is hanging slightly crooked - it's driving me crazy!

slightly

ADVERB

[/ˈslaɪtli/]

to a small degree; not very much

She tilted her head slightly to hear the whisper.
💡 Concept

She tilted her head slightly to hear the whisper.

Hold tightly, shine brightly, then loosen slightly.
🎵 Rhyme

Hold tightly, shine brightly, then loosen slightly.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈslaɪtli/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈslaɪtli/

🌳Etymology

Rootslight
Suffix--ly

Origin

From Middle English 'slight' meaning slender or thin, derived from Old Norse 'sléttr' meaning smooth or sleek. The adverbial suffix '-ly' was added to create the adverb form.

Breakdown

slight (small in degree) + -ly (adverb suffix meaning 'in a manner of') = slightly

🎵Rhyme

rightlybrightlytightly
rightly
brightly
tightly

🔗Collocations

slightly different
slightly higher
slightly better
slightly worried
slightly increase
slightly tilted

📝Examples

My coffee is slightly too hot - I need to wait for it to cool down a bit.

😄 Fun example

He's slightly taller than me, but I'm slightly better looking.

😄 Fun example

The painting is hanging slightly crooked - it's driving me crazy!

Sales figures were slightly below expectations this quarter.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

somewhata littlea bitmarginallymildly

Antonyms

greatlysignificantlyconsiderably

Related

slightslightestbarelyhardly

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.