Slight vs. Sleight: What's the Difference?
The words slight and sleight may sound similar, but they have entirely different meanings. Slight is most commonly used as an adjective to describe something that is small in degree, or as a verb meaning to insult by disregarding. Sleight, on the other hand, refers to dexterity or cunning, often used in the context of a magician's trickery or manual skill.
How do you use the word slight in a sentence?
The word slight is typically used to represent something minimal or less than expected. As an adjective, it qualifies nouns by suggesting a small amount or degree. As a verb, it conveys the action of treating someone with disdain or indifference, implying disrespect or disregard.
Examples of slight in a sentence
- I felt a slight breeze on my face as I walked through the park.
- His comment was meant as a joke, but she took it as a slight.
- There's only a slight chance of rain this afternoon according to the forecast.
How do you use the word sleight in a sentence?
Sleight is typically used to describe skillful deception or dexterity, especially in the context of magic tricks or skillful handiwork. It derives from an Old Norse term meaning 'cleverness' or 'craftiness' and is commonly found in the phrase 'sleight of hand,' which refers to quick and nimble finger movements that deceive the eye.
Examples of sleight in a sentence
- The magician's sleight of hand was so impressive that the audience gasped in amazement.
- It was not strength but sleight that allowed the pickpocket to steal the wallet without being noticed.
- Her exceptional sleight in embroidery won her first prize at the craft fair.
Slight and sleight definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Slight definition:
Slight as an adjective indicates something that is small in degree, quantity, or importance, often to the point of insignificance. As a verb, it means to treat someone or something as though they are not worthy of respect or attention.
Slight parts of speech:
Slight pronunciation:
Slight is pronounced as /slaɪt/.
Sleight definition:
Sleight refers to the use of dexterity or cunning, especially for deception. It is most often used in the context of magic tricks or skillful maneuvers, such as 'sleight of hand.'
Sleight parts of speech:
Sleight pronunciation:
Sleight is pronounced as /slaɪt/, identically to slight.
Slight as an adjective indicates something that is small in degree, quantity, or importance, often to the point of insignificance. As a verb, it means to treat someone or something as though they are not worthy of respect or attention.
Slight parts of speech:
- As an adjective, e.g., The patient's condition showed slight improvement overnight.
- As a verb, e.g., Please don't slight her efforts, even if they aren't perfect.
Slight pronunciation:
Slight is pronounced as /slaɪt/.
Sleight definition:
Sleight refers to the use of dexterity or cunning, especially for deception. It is most often used in the context of magic tricks or skillful maneuvers, such as 'sleight of hand.'
Sleight parts of speech:
- As a noun, e.g., The card game relies as much on sleight as it does on chance.
- As part of the compound noun, e.g., His sleight of hand was too quick for our eyes to follow.
Sleight pronunciation:
Sleight is pronounced as /slaɪt/, identically to slight.
Slight vs. Sleight in a nutshell
Despite their similar pronunciation, slight and sleight serve very different functions in the English language. Slight, whether as an adjective or a verb, often denotes something minor or a form of disregard. Sleight, in contrast, pertains to dexterity or trickery, closely associated with skillful manipulation. Remembering these distinct meanings will ensure proper usage in writing and speech.
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