Dictionary

slighten en · VERB

Pronunciation

• /ˈslaɪ.tən/

Etymology

From slight + -en. Related to German schlichten (“to smoothen”). More at slight.

Meanings

1. (ambitransitive) To make or become slight; make or become less pronounced, less noticeable, or less obvious.
   • His smile slightened as if he knew they talked of him. 2004, D. L. Larson, Memories Trail, page 459:
   • With tissue I softened my rouge, slightened my lipstick; studying my redesigns in my green compact's mirror I marveled, seeing yet another strange face. 2007, Jack Womack, Elvissey:
2. (transitive) To slight.
   • They may take ill or feel slightened for not having been approached directly. 1997, Rajendra Kumar Sharma, Sociological Methods and Techniques, page 257:
   • […] as God forbid that anyone should hint a slightening word of what our sons and brothers are doing just now, and doing for us! 1920, Arthur Quiller-Couch, On the Art of Reading:
   • It is an odious wisdom to blaspheme, / Much more to slighten, or deny their powers 1603 (first performance), Ben[jamin] Jonson, Seianus His Fall, London: […] G[eorge] Elld, for Thomas Thorpe, published 1605, →OCLC, (please specify the page):
3. (regional, transitive) To level out, smooth, or flatten.
   • to slighten the sheets out

Forms