adj., v., & n.
adj. 1 a inconsiderable; of little significance (has a slight cold; the damage is very slight). b barely perceptible (a slight smell of gas). c not much or great or thorough, inadequate, scanty (a conclusion based on very slight observation; paid him slight attention). 2 slender, frail-looking (saw a slight figure approaching; supported by a slight framework). 3 (in superl., with neg. or interrog.) any whatever (paid not the slightest attention).
v.tr. 1 treat or speak of (a person etc.) as not worth attention, fail in courtesy or respect towards, markedly neglect. 2 hist. make militarily useless, raze (a fortification etc.).
n. a marked piece of neglect, a failure to show due respect. not in the slightest not at all. put a slight upon = sense 1 of v. slightingly adv. slightish adj. slightly adv. slightness n.
[ ME slyght, sleght f. ON sléttr level, smooth f. Gmc ]