Learn how to use the comparative “slighter” and superlative “slightest” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “slight”?

The comparative form of “slight” is “slighter”.

Example

She is slighter than her sister, with a more slender build.

Example

The second option is slighter cheaper than the first one.

What is the superlative form of “slight”?

The superlative form of “slight” is “slightest”.

Example

Among all the options, this one has the slightest price difference.

Example

He has the slightest build among all the players on the team.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with slight, slighter, and slightest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more slight' and 'most slight' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, slighter and slightest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Slight does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Slight → Slighter Superlative: Slight → Slightest

Expressions with similar meanings to “slighter”

thinner

Used to describe something that is slimmer or more narrow

Example

The thinner pencil is easier to hold and control.

leaner

Used to indicate a more slender or toned physique

Example

After months of exercise, she became leaner and more fit.

more delicate

A slightly formal way of expressing a slighter or more fragile quality

Example

The more delicate flower requires careful handling.

Expressions with similar meanings to “slightest”

thinnest

Similar to slightest, this emphasizes a very slim or narrow quality

Example

The wire is so thin that it's considered the thinnest available.

leanest

Used to describe the most slender or toned physique

Example

Out of all the contestants, she had the leanest figure.

most delicate

A slightly formal way of expressing the most slight or fragile quality

Example

The most delicate china teacup should be handled with care.

Using than with comparative “slighter”

When using the comparative form slighter to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "She is slighter than her sister." Here, than is used to show that the degree of 'her' slenderness is greater than the degree of her sister's slenderness.

How can I use this expression in context?

“slighter” and “slightest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Physical Appearance

  She has a slighter frame than her brother.

  She has a slighter frame than her brother.

• 2. Price Comparison

  The second option has a slighter price difference compared to the first one.

  The second option has a slighter price difference compared to the first one.

• 3. Weight

  He has the slightest build among all the athletes.

  He has the slightest build among all the athletes.

• 4. Size

  The new phone has a slighter design than the previous model.

  The new phone has a slighter design than the previous model.

• 5. Differences

  There is a slighter variation in color between the two shades.

  There is a slighter variation in color between the two shades.

Related idioms and phrases

A drop in the bucket

A very small or insignificant amount compared to what is needed or expected.

Example

The donation was appreciated, but it was just a drop in the bucket compared to the total cost of the project.

In the grand scheme of things

Considering the overall perspective or long-term view.

Example

While this setback may seem significant now, in the grand scheme of things, it won't matter much.

A needle in a haystack

Something that is very difficult or nearly impossible to find.

Example

Finding a specific book in this messy library is like looking for a needle in a haystack.