Slight vs. Light — What's the Difference?

Minimal in degree or amount.

Pertaining to brightness.

Barely noticeable or significant.

Low in weight or heaviness.

Conveying subtle insult.

Gentle or mild in form or severity.

Used to describe something negligible.

Easy to handle or endure.

Insufficient or inadequate.

Not serious or profound.

Small in size, degree, or amount

Light or visible light is electromagnetic radiation within the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is perceived by the human eye. Visible light is usually defined as having wavelengths in the range of 400–700 nanometres (nm), between the infrared (with longer wavelengths) and the ultraviolet (with shorter wavelengths).

Lacking strength, substance, or solidity; frail

The natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible

Of small importance or consideration; trifling

An expression in someone's eyes indicating a particular emotion or mood

Small and slender in build or construction; delicate.

Understanding of a problem or mystery; enlightenment

To treat (someone) with discourteous reserve or inattention

An area of something that is brighter or paler than its surroundings

To treat as of small importance; make light of

A device used to produce a flame or spark

To do negligently or thoughtlessly; scant

A window or opening to let light in

To raze or level the walls of (a castle or other fortification).

A person eminent in a particular sphere of activity

A deliberate discourtesy; a snub

(in a crossword puzzle) a blank space to be filled by a letter.

Small.

Provide with light or lighting; illuminate

Gentle or weak, not aggressive or powerful.

Make (something) start burning; ignite

Not thorough; superficial.

Come upon or discover by chance

Trifling; unimportant; insignificant.

Descend

Not far away in space or time.

Having a considerable or sufficient amount of natural light; not dark

Of slender build.

(of a colour) pale

(regional) Even, smooth or level.

Of little weight; not heavy

(especially said of the sea) Still; with little or no movement on the surface.

Not strongly or heavily built or made

(obsolete) Foolish; silly; not intellectual.

Relatively low in density, amount, or intensity

Bad, of poor quality.

(of food or a meal) small in quantity and easy to digest

(dated) Slighting; treating with disdain.

Gentle or delicate

(transitive) To treat as unimportant or not worthy of attention; to make light of.

(of entertainment) requiring little mental effort; not profound or serious

(transitive) To give lesser weight or importance to.

Electromagnetic radiation that is visible, perceivable by the normal human eye as colors between red and violet, having frequencies between 400 terahertz and 790 terahertz and wavelengths between 750 nanometers and 380 nanometers. Also called visible light.

(transitive) To treat with disdain or neglect, usually out of prejudice, hatred, or jealousy; to ignore disrespectfully.

Electromagnetic radiation of any frequency or wavelength.

(intransitive) To act negligently or carelessly. en

The sensation of perceiving light; brightness

To render no longer defensible by full or partial demolition.

A source of light, especially a lamp, a lantern, or an electric lighting fixture

To make even or level.

The illumination derived from a source of light

(transitive) To throw heedlessly.

The particular quantity or quality of such illumination

The act of ignoring or snubbing; a deliberate act of neglect or discourtesy.

The pathway or route of such illumination to a person

(obsolete) Sleight.

A source of fire, such as a match or cigarette lighter.

Sleight.

A mechanical device that uses illumination as a signal or warning, especially a beacon or traffic signal.

The act of slighting; the manifestation of a moderate degree of contempt, as by neglect or oversight; neglect; indignity.

Daylight.

To overthrow; to demolish.

Dawn; daybreak.

To make even or level.

Something, such as a window, that admits illumination.

To throw heedlessly.

(Architecture) One of two or more openings in a window divided by a mullion or mullions.

To disregard, as of little value and unworthy of notice; to make light of; as, to slight the divine commands.

Something that provides information or clarification

Not decidedly marked; not forcible; inconsiderable; unimportant; insignificant; not severe; weak; gentle; - applied in a great variety of circumstances; as, a slight (i. e., feeble) effort; a slight (i. e., perishable) structure; a slight (i. e., not deep) impression; a slight (i. e., not convincing) argument; a slight (i. e., not thorough) examination; slight (i. e., not severe) pain, and the like.

A state of awareness or understanding, especially as derived from a particular source

Not stout or heavy; slender.

Public attention; general knowledge

Foolish; silly; weak in intellect.

Spiritual awareness; illumination.

Slightly.

A way of looking at or considering a matter; an aspect

A deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

(Archaic) Eyesight.

Pay no attention to, disrespect;

Lights One's individual opinions, choices, or standards

Having little substance or significance;

A person who inspires or is adored by another

Almost no or (with `a') at least some; very little;

A prominent or distinguished person; a luminary

Being of delicate or slender build;

An expression of the eyes

Lights Pieces of laundry that are not dark in color.

Light In Quaker doctrine, the guiding spirit or divine presence in each person.

To set on fire; ignite or kindle

To cause to give out light; make luminous

To provide, cover, or fill with light; illuminate

To signal, direct, or guide with light

To enliven or animate

To start to burn; be ignited or kindled

To emit light; be lighted

To get down, as from a vehicle or horse; dismount.

To descend to the ground after flight; land.

To come upon one unexpectedly

To come upon by chance or accident. Used with on or upon

Having a greater rather than lesser degree of lightness.

Of or being an additive primary color.

Characterized by or filled with light; bright

Not dark in color; fair

Served with milk or cream. Used of coffee.

Of relatively little weight; not heavy

Of relatively little weight for its size or bulk

Of less than the correct, standard, or legal weight

Designed for ease and quickness of movement; having a structure that is slim and has little weight for its type or class

Designed to carry relatively little weight

Carrying little equipment or armament

Requiring relatively little equipment and using relatively simple processes to produce consumer goods

Exerting little force or impact; gentle

Indistinct; faint

Low in quantity or intensity

Consuming or using relatively moderate amounts; abstemious

Not harsh or severe

Moving easily and quickly; nimble

Easy to perform or accomplish; requiring little effort

Easy to bear or endure

Having little importance; insignificant

Intended primarily as entertainment and lacking serious or weighty content

Not solemn or serious

Free from worries or troubles; blithe

Mildly dizzy or faint

Easily awakened or disturbed

Easily digested

Containing a relatively small amount of a potentially harmful ingredient, such as alcohol, fat, or sodium

Having a spongy or flaky texture; well-leavened

Having a loose, porous consistency

Of, relating to, or being a syllable ending in a short vowel or a short vowel plus a consonant.

Of, relating to, or being a vowel or syllable pronounced with little or no stress.

In a light manner; lightly.

With little weight and few burdens

Visible electromagnetic radiation. The human eye can typically detect radiation (light) in the wavelength range of about 400 to 750 nanometers. Nearby shorter and longer wavelength ranges, although not visible, are commonly called ultraviolet and infrared light.

A source of illumination.

(figurative) Spiritual or mental illumination; enlightenment, useful information.

Facts; pieces of information; ideas, concepts.

A notable person within a specific field or discipline.

(painting) The manner in which the light strikes a picture; that part of a picture which represents those objects upon which the light is supposed to fall; the more illuminated part of a landscape or other scene; opposed to shade.

A point of view, or aspect from which a concept, person or thing is regarded.

A flame or something used to create fire.

A firework made by filling a case with a substance which burns brilliantly with a white or coloured flame.

A window in architecture, carriage design, or motor car design: either the opening itself or the window pane of glass that fills it, if any.

The series of squares reserved for the answer to a crossword clue.

(informal) A cross-light in a double acrostic or triple acrostic.

Open view; a visible state or condition; public observation; publicity.

The power of perception by vision.

The brightness of the eye or eyes.

A traffic light, or, by extension, an intersection controlled by one or more that will face a traveler who is receiving instructions.

(curling) A stone that is not thrown hard enough.

See lungs.

A low-alcohol lager.

(transitive) To start (a fire).

(transitive) To set fire to; to set burning.

(transitive) To illuminate; to provide light for when it is dark.

(intransitive) To become ignited; to take fire.

To attend or conduct with a light; to show the way to by means of a light.

To make (a bonus) available to be collected by hitting a target, and thus light up the feature light corresponding to that bonus to indicate its availability.

(nautical) To unload a ship, or to jettison material to make it lighter

To lighten; to ease of a burden; to take off.

To find by chance.

To stop upon of eyes or a glance; to notice

(archaic) To alight; to land or come down.

Having light; bright; clear; not dark or obscure.

Pale or whitish in color; highly luminous and more or less deficient in chroma.

(of coffee) Served with extra milk or cream.

Having little or relatively little actual weight; not cumbrous or unwieldy.

Having little weight as compared with bulk; of little density or specific gravity.

Of short or insufficient weight; weighing less than the legal, standard, or proper amount; clipped or diminished.

Lacking that which burdens or makes heavy.

Free from burden or impediment; unencumbered.

Lightly built; typically designed for speed or small loads.

(military) Not heavily armed; armed with light weapons.

Riding high because of no cargo; by extension, pertaining to a ship which is light.

Without any piece of equipment attached or attached only to a caboose.

With low viscosity.

(cookery) Not heavy or soggy; spongy; well raised.

Low in fat, calories, alcohol, salt, etc.

Slight, not forceful or intense; small in amount or intensity.

Gentle; having little force or momentum.

Easy to endure or perform.

Unimportant, trivial, having little value or significance.

(obsolete) Unchaste, wanton.

Not encumbered; unembarrassed; clear of impediments; hence, active; nimble; swift.

(dated) Easily influenced by trifling considerations; unsteady; unsettled; volatile.

Indulging in, or inclined to, levity; lacking dignity or solemnity; frivolous; airy.

Not quite sound or normal; somewhat impaired or deranged; dizzy; giddy.

Easily interrupted by stimulation.

Carrying little.

That agent, force, or action in nature by the operation of which upon the organs of sight, objects are rendered visible or luminous.

That which furnishes, or is a source of, light, as the sun, a star, a candle, a lighthouse, etc.

The brightness of the eye or eyes.

The medium through which light is admitted, as a window, or window pane; a skylight; in architecture, one of the compartments of a window made by a mullion or mullions.

Life; existence.

Open view; a visible state or condition; public observation; publicity.

The power of perception by vision.

That which illumines or makes clear to the mind; mental or spiritual illumination; enlightenment; knowledge; information.

Prosperity; happiness; joy; felicity.

The manner in which the light strikes upon a picture; that part of a picture which represents those objects upon which the light is supposed to fall; the more illuminated part of a landscape or other scene; - opposed to shade. Cf. Chiaroscuro.

Appearance due to the particular facts and circumstances presented to view; point of view; as, to state things fairly and put them in the right light.

One who is conspicuous or noteworthy; a model or example; as, the lights of the age or of antiquity.

A firework made by filling a case with a substance which burns brilliantly with a white or colored flame; as, a Bengal light.

Having light; not dark or obscure; bright; clear; as, the apartment is light.

White or whitish; not intense or very marked; not of a deep shade; moderately colored; as, a light color; a light brown; a light complexion.

Having little, or comparatively little, weight; not tending to be the center of gravity with force; not heavy.

Not burdensome; easy to be lifted, borne, or carried by physical strength; as, a light burden, or load.

Easy to be endured or performed; not severe; not difficult; as, a light affliction or task.

Easy to be digested; not oppressive to the stomach; as, light food; also, containing little nutriment.

Not heavily armed; armed with light weapons; as, light troops; a troop of light horse.

Not encumbered; unembarrassed; clear of impediments; hence, active; nimble; swift.

Not heavily burdened; not deeply laden; not sufficiently ballasted; as, the ship returned light.

Slight; not important; as, a light error.

Well leavened; not heavy; as, light bread.

Not copious or heavy; not dense; not inconsiderable; as, a light rain; a light snow; light vapors.

Not strong or violent; moderate; as, a light wind.

Not pressing heavily or hard upon; hence, having an easy, graceful manner; delicate; as, a light touch; a light style of execution.

Easy to admit influence; inconsiderate; easily influenced by trifling considerations; unsteady; unsettled; volatile; as, a light, vain person; a light mind.

Indulging in, or inclined to, levity; wanting dignity or solemnity; trifling; gay; frivolous; airy; unsubstantial.

Not quite sound or normal; somewhat impaired or deranged; dizzy; giddy.

Easily bestowed; inconsiderately rendered.

Wanton; unchaste; as, a woman of light character.

Not of the legal, standard, or usual weight; clipped; diminished; as, light coin.

Loose; sandy; easily pulverized; as, a light soil.

To set fire to; to cause to burn; to set burning; to ignite; to kindle; as, to light a candle or lamp; to light the gas; - sometimes with up.

To give light to; to illuminate; to fill with light; to spread over with light; - often with up.

To attend or conduct with a light; to show the way to by means of a light.

To become ignited; to take fire; as, the match will not light.

To be illuminated; to receive light; to brighten; - with up; as, the room light up very well.

To lighten; to ease of a burden; to take off.

To dismount; to descend, as from a horse or carriage; to alight; - with from, off, on, upon, at, in.

To feel light; to be made happy.

To descend from flight, and rest, perch, or settle, as a bird or insect.

To come down suddenly and forcibly; to fall; - with on or upon.

To come by chance; to happen; - with on or upon; formerly with into.

Lightly; cheaply.

(physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation;

Any device serving as a source of illumination;

A particular perspective or aspect of a situation;

The quality of being luminous; emitting or reflecting light;

An illuminated area;

A condition of spiritual awareness; divine illumination;

The visual effect of illumination on objects or scenes as created in pictures;

A person regarded very fondly;

Mental understanding as an enlightening experience;

Having abundant light or illumination;

Public awareness;

Brightness and animation of countenance;

A divine presence believed by Quakers to enlighten and guide the soul

A visual warning signal;

A device for lighting or igniting fuel or charges or fires;

Make lighter or brighter;

Begin to smoke;

To come to rest, settle;

Cause to start burning; subject to fire or great heat;

Fall to somebody by assignment or lot;

Get off (a horse)

Of comparatively little physical weight or density;

(used of color) having a relatively small amount of coloring agent;

Of the military or industry; using (or being) relatively small or light arms or equipment;

Not great in degree or quantity or number;

Psychologically light; especially free from sadness or troubles;

Characterized by or emitting light;

Used of vowels or syllables; pronounced with little or no stress;

Easily assimilated in the alimentary canal; not rich or heavily seasoned;

(used of soil) loose and large-grained in consistency;

(of sound or color) free from anything that dulls or dims;

Moving easily and quickly; nimble;

Demanding little effort; not burdensome;

Of little intensity or power or force;

(physics, chemistry) not having atomic weight greater than average;

Weak and likely to lose consciousness;

Very thin and insubstantial;

Marked by temperance in indulgence;

Less than the correct or legal or full amount often deliberately so;

Having little importance;

Intended primarily as entertainment; not serious or profound;

Silly or trivial;

Having a spongy or flaky texture; well-leavened;

Designed for ease of movement or to carry little weight;

Having relatively few calories;

(of sleep) easily disturbed;

Casual and unrestrained in sexual behavior;

With few burdens;

Yes, a task can be light in terms of effort required and slight in its complexity or demands, making it easy and quick to accomplish.

A slight difference is typically minimal and might be barely noticeable or significant.

Yes, light can also refer to something being of low weight, mild in severity, or not serious in nature.

Yes, something can be light (as in low weight or mild) without being slight if it has significant impact or importance in its context.

To be slight means to be small in degree, amount, or intensity, often to a negligible or minor extent.

Light often implies ease or lack of burden, but in the context of "light-hearted," it can simply mean cheerful or carefree without implying simplicity.

The context greatly influences their use, with slight often relating to minimal extent or impact, and light varying between brightness, weight, and severity.

A situation can be approached in a light manner, with humor or optimism, while still acknowledging its seriousness.

While "slight" often has negative connotations of insufficiency, it can be neutral when simply quantifying a small degree.

Light is frequently used metaphorically to denote clarity, enlightenment, or the presence of something positive in one's life.

Slight can be more subjective, particularly when it implies a personal insult or understatement, whereas light's meanings are often more objective, especially in terms of weight or brightness.

Their meanings can overlap when referring to something that is both minimal in impact and easy to manage, such as a light and slight breeze.

Slight often carries a more negative or neutral emotional connotation, implying insufficiency, whereas light can carry positive emotional connotations, suggesting ease or relief.

Tasks or challenges described as slight are perceived as minimal in difficulty, while those described as light are seen as less burdensome or easier to manage.

When referring to an insult, slight can imply an intention to undermine or belittle, though the disrespect might be subtle.