[ adj ] tending to diminish or disparage <adj.all> belittling commentsmanaged a deprecating smile at the compliment deprecatory remarks about the book a slighting remark
Slight \Slight\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Slighted}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Slighting}.] To disregard, as of little value and unworthy of notice; to make light of; as, to slight the divine commands. --Milton.
The wretch who slights the bounty of the skies. --Cowper.
{To slight off}, to treat slightingly; to drive off; to remove. [R.] -- {To slight over}, to run over in haste; to perform superficially; to treat carelessly; as, to slight over a theme. ``They will but slight it over.'' --Bacon.
Syn: To neglect; disregard; disdain; scorn.
Usage: {Slight}, {Neglect}. To slight is stronger than to neglect. We may neglect a duty or person from inconsiderateness, or from being over-occupied in other concerns. To slight is always a positive and intentional act, resulting from feelings of dislike or contempt. We ought to put a kind construction on what appears neglect on the part of a friend; but when he slights us, it is obvious that he is our friend no longer.
Beware . . . lest the like befall . . . If they transgress and slight that sole command. --Milton.
This my long-sufferance, and my day of grace, Those who neglect and scorn shall never taste. --Milton.
Slighting \Slight"ing\, a. Characterized by neglect or disregard.
But airline executives vehemently deny slighting safety.
Merchants denied slighting the students, most of whom they said were nice.
A task force of business leaders is trying to persuade airlines that they're losing business by slighting the city.
Some feminists and others expressed outrage at the student's petition slighting Mrs. Bush's qualifications.