Slights: meaning, definitions and examples

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slights

 

[ slaɪts ]

Noun / Verb
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.

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

Etymology

The word 'slights' comes from the Middle English 'slyght' meaning 'craft, deceit, trick'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage to describe small discourtesies or offenses. The concept of 'slights' has been a part of human interactions for centuries, reflecting social dynamics and the impact of unintentional disrespect.

See also: slight, slightest, slightly, slightness.

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.