Slights: meaning, definitions and examples

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slights

 

[slaɪts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in behavior

Small discourtesies or disrespect shown by someone, often unintentional.

Synonyms

disrespects, insults, snubs.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
slights

Use this word when referring to small, often unintentional actions or remarks that make someone feel less appreciated or valued.

  • She felt slighted when her contributions weren't mentioned in the meeting.
snubs

The word 'snubs' is appropriate for describing actions where someone deliberately ignores or shows disdain for another person.

  • She snubbed her former friend by ignoring her at the party.
insults

Use this word in cases where someone's words or actions are meant to hurt or demean another person. It usually carries a stronger negative connotation.

  • Calling him lazy in front of everyone was a direct insult.
disrespects

This word is suitable for situations where someone's actions or words show a lack of respect, often intentional and more serious than slights.

  • John's constant interruptions during the meeting disrespected his colleagues.

Examples of usage

  • He was hurt by the slights of his colleagues at work.
  • She felt the slights of being ignored in the conversation.
Context #2 | Verb

to offend

To treat with discourtesy or disrespect, to offend or insult.

Synonyms

disrespect, insult, offend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
slights

Use this word when referring to small, often unintentional actions that cause hurt or make someone feel less important.

  • She felt slights during the meeting when no one acknowledged her contribution
  • He perceived his absence from the guest list as one of many slights
offend

This word fits situations where someone's actions or words cause emotional pain or upset, often inadvertently.

  • He did not mean to offend her with his joke
  • She was offended when they didn't consider her proposal
insult

Use this word when referring to actions or words that are intentionally meant to hurt someone's feelings or show disdain.

  • He insulted her intelligence by making a rude comment about her mistake
  • Calling someone names is a direct insult
disrespect

This is suitable when discussing behavior that shows a lack of respect or courtesy toward someone. It can be intentional or unintentional.

  • Talking back to a teacher is a sign of disrespect
  • Ignoring someone's opinion during a discussion can be considered disrespect

Examples of usage

  • She felt slighted by his remarks during the meeting.
  • He didn't mean to slight her, it was just a misunderstanding.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'slight' comes from the Old Norse word 'slætr', meaning 'to be weak' or 'small'.
  • In English, 'slight' has evolved to include connotations of being disrespectful or dismissive towards someone.

Psychology

  • Focusing on small insults can lead to bigger feelings of inadequacy and anxiety over time.
  • Studies show that people often remember slights more vividly than compliments, reflecting a negativity bias in human perception.

Literature

  • Slights are commonly explored in literature as a plot device to create conflict or develop characters’ emotional depth.
  • Many classic novels depict characters dealing with slights from society, illustrating themes of social class and acceptance.

Pop Culture

  • Reality television often focuses on slights among contestants, showcasing how minor comments can escalate into dramatic confrontations.
  • Social media amplifies slights, where a brief comment can lead to significant fallout among friends and followers.

Cultural Practices

  • Different cultures have unique ways of addressing or ignoring slights, with some offering direct confrontation while others prefer subtlety.
  • In many cultures, responding graciously to slights is a valued trait, demonstrating self-control and maturity.

Translations

Translations of the word "slights" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desconsiderações

🇮🇳 अपमान

🇩🇪 Beleidigungen

🇮🇩 penghinaan

🇺🇦 образи

🇵🇱 zniewagi

🇯🇵 侮辱

🇫🇷 insultes

🇪🇸 insultos

🇹🇷 aşağılama

🇰🇷 모욕

🇸🇦 إهانات

🇨🇿 urážky

🇸🇰 urážky

🇨🇳 侮辱

🇸🇮 žalitve

🇮🇸 móðganir

🇰🇿 қорлықтар

🇬🇪 შეურაცხყოფები

🇦🇿 təhqirlər

🇲🇽 insultos

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,144, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.