What does slightingly mean?
Slightingly is an adverb meaning “to a slight extent” or “somewhat.” It describes a small degree or difference, as in “The material is slightingly warmer” or “The accounts vary slightingly.” The word is closely related in meaning to slightly, which is much more common in contemporary English and is usually the natural choice in everyday speech and writing. Slightingly can lend a measured, formal, or literary quality to a sentence, particularly when describing subtle differences in appearance, degree, or emphasis. Despite its ending in -ingly, it does not normally imply treating someone with contempt; that separate sense is associated with the verb slight in phrases such as “slight a person’s work.” Consequently, slightingly should be understood simply as a somewhat literary equivalent of slightly rather than as a specialised grammatical form.
adverbTo a slight or small extent; somewhat.
- To a small or slight extent; somewhat.
"The road became slightingly steeper after the bridge."
"The temperature dropped slightingly during the afternoon."
"Her interpretation differed slightingly from that of the earlier editors."
Although it ends in -ingly, slightingly simply means “to a slight degree,” not “in a way that shows contempt.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slightingly come from?
Slightingly was formed in English from slight with an adverb-forming ending, following the adjective’s sense of “small in degree.” The base adjective passed into Middle English from Old English sliht, while its ultimate origin is uncertain. Slight, slightness, slightly, and slighten belong to the same modern word family.
Related word forms
How slightingly is actually used
Slightingly is less common than slightly and often has a somewhat formal or literary tone.
Easily confused with slightingly
Slightly is the standard modern equivalent of the less common and more formal-sounding slightingly.