What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
slight
Example
She gave a slight nod to acknowledge my presence. [slight: adjective]
Example
There was a slight delay in the train's arrival. [slight: noun]
Example
I noticed a slight difference in the taste of the coffee. [slight: adjective]
minor
Example
The doctor assured me that it was just a minor injury. [minor: adjective]
Example
We encountered some minor difficulties during the project. [minor: adjective]
Example
The company made some minor changes to the product design. [minor: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Minor is more commonly used than slight in everyday language, especially in the context of describing small issues or problems. Slight is less common and is typically used in more specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between slight and minor?
Both slight and minor are relatively formal words and are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing. However, minor may be slightly more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.