What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
slightly
Example
The temperature dropped slightly overnight. [slightly: adverb]
Example
I'm feeling slightly better today. [slightly: adverb]
Example
She gave him a slightly disapproving look. [slightly: adverb]
somewhat
Example
I'm somewhat familiar with the topic. [somewhat: adverb]
Example
The movie was somewhat disappointing. [somewhat: adverb]
Example
He was somewhat surprised by the news. [somewhat: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Somewhat is more commonly used than slightly in everyday language. Somewhat is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while slightly is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between slightly and somewhat?
Somewhat is considered more formal than slightly. Therefore, somewhat is more appropriate to use in formal writing or speech, while slightly is more suitable for informal situations.
