slightly

Everyday

1. Slightly means a little bit, not very much. tree →
2. Slightly can mean in a small or thin way, as in «slightly built» for a small, thin person. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and science, «slightly» means a small difference: «slightly more» or «slightly heavier». In stories, it shows small changes, like a door «slightly open». In everyday life, it makes words softer: «slightly late». Phrases: «slightly more», «slightly less», «slightly different».

Examples

• The door was slightly open. tree →
• My jumper is slightly too big. tree →
• This box is slightly heavier than that one. tree →
• She was slightly late for school. tree →
• Turn the dial slightly to the left. tree →
• The two answers are slightly different. tree →
• The water was slightly warm. tree →
• He felt slightly better after a rest. tree →
• She was slightly inclined to embonpoint. tree →

Note

Adverb made from «slight» + -ly. «Slightly» shows a small amount but not an exact number; in a maths problem it does not tell you how much, so you still need the numbers. Opposite: greatly, very much.