What does slightly mean?
Slightly is an adverb meaning “to a small extent” or “somewhat.” It is used when a change, comparison, or quality is noticeable but not substantial: a room may be slightly warmer, a result slightly better, or a person slightly uncertain. The word is useful because it allows speakers to communicate minor differences without exaggeration, while still indicating that those differences are real. In everyday use, “slightly” can soften an observation, qualify a judgment, or suggest that something is mildly concerning. It appears in both formal writing and conversation, including descriptions of measurements, appearance, performance, emotion, and health. Although “a little” is a common alternative, “slightly” can sound more measured or professional, particularly in reports and precise comparisons. It should not be used to imply a major degree merely as a stylistic understatement.
adverbTo a small or limited extent; somewhat. It can also indicate that something is a little different, better, worse, larger, or more noticeable than before.
- To a small or limited extent; somewhat.
"The afternoon was slightly warmer, so she opened the window."
"The results were slightly better than expected."
"She looked slightly concerned when she heard the news."
Slightly is the quiet linguistic opposite of a dramatic announcement: it turns a major change into a minor adjustment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slightly come from?
Slightly is an English formation made by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to the adjective slight. The adjective is inherited from Old English, where related forms referred to smallness, thinness, or insignificance, and it continued to develop through Middle English. In slightly, the older sense developed into the modern expression “to a slight degree.” The related words slightness and slighten belong to the same English word family, while sleight is a historically related formation with a different meaning.
How slightly is actually used
Slightly is neutral and widely used in formal and informal English. It often softens a statement or makes a comparison less emphatic, as in slightly different, but it can also introduce a qualification or criticism, as in slightly concerning.
Easily confused with slightly
Slightly means to a small degree, whereas lightly often means gently, with little force or weight.