slight difference
فرق طفيف
Use it to point out small variations politely without making a big deal out of them.
15초 만에
- A tiny, almost unnoticeable variation between two similar things.
- Used to be precise without sounding dramatic or aggressive.
- Perfect for comparing products, recipes, or minor data changes.
뜻
It describes a tiny change or a small gap between two things. Use it when two things are almost the same, but not quite identical.
주요 예문
3 / 6Comparing two phone colors
There is only a slight difference between the 'Midnight Blue' and 'Navy' models.
There is only a slight difference between the 'Midnight Blue' and 'Navy' models.
Discussing a project update in a meeting
We noticed a slight difference in the final budget numbers this month.
We noticed a slight difference in the final budget numbers this month.
Texting about a food order
The pizza tastes great, though there's a slight difference in the spice level today.
The pizza tastes great, though there's a slight difference in the spice level today.
문화적 배경
This phrase reflects the English-speaking preference for 'understatement.' By using the word 'slight,' speakers can point out discrepancies without sounding confrontational or overly critical. It is a key part of polite social navigation in professional and academic settings.
The 'Between' Rule
Always use 'between' if you are comparing two things directly, like `a slight difference between A and B`.
Don't Underestimate
If someone says there is a 'slight difference' in a legal contract, read it carefully! Sometimes people use this phrase to hide a change that actually matters.
15초 만에
- A tiny, almost unnoticeable variation between two similar things.
- Used to be precise without sounding dramatic or aggressive.
- Perfect for comparing products, recipes, or minor data changes.
What It Means
Slight difference is your go-to phrase for those 'almost twin' moments. It means there is a variation, but it is very small. Think of two shades of blue that look identical until you hold them in the sun. That tiny gap is the slight difference. It is not a big deal, but it is worth mentioning. It is the linguistic equivalent of a tiny shrug.
How To Use It
You can use it as a noun phrase in almost any sentence. Usually, you will say there is a slight difference between two things. You can also use it to explain why a result changed. It works perfectly with the preposition between or in. For example, "There is a slight difference in the taste today."
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be precise but not dramatic. It is great for comparing products, like two phone models. It is perfect for talking about recipes or weather changes. In a meeting, use it to point out a small error without sounding like a jerk. It helps you stay polite while being accurate. If your coffee has one less sugar than usual, that is a slight difference.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if the change is huge. If your car is now a pile of scrap metal, that is not a slight difference. Avoid it when emotions are high and the impact is massive. Saying there is a slight difference in your bank account when it is empty is just bad math. Also, do not use it for people's identities unless you want to sound very cold.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love understating things. We often use slight to make things sound less threatening or intense. It is part of a cultural habit called 'hedging.' It makes you sound more reasonable and less aggressive. It has been a staple of the English language for centuries because it is so useful for diplomacy.
Common Variations
You might hear people say subtle difference for things that are hard to see. Minor difference is another common twin for this phrase. If you want to be fancy, try marginal difference. In casual talk, some might just say a bit of a difference. But slight difference remains the most balanced and common choice for daily life.
사용 참고사항
This is a very safe, neutral phrase. Just remember to use 'slight' (adjective) with 'difference' (noun) and 'slightly' (adverb) with 'different' (adjective).
The 'Between' Rule
Always use 'between' if you are comparing two things directly, like `a slight difference between A and B`.
Don't Underestimate
If someone says there is a 'slight difference' in a legal contract, read it carefully! Sometimes people use this phrase to hide a change that actually matters.
The British 'Slight'
In the UK, 'slight' can sometimes be used sarcastically to mean something is actually quite wrong, but they are being polite.
예시
6There is only a slight difference between the 'Midnight Blue' and 'Navy' models.
There is only a slight difference between the 'Midnight Blue' and 'Navy' models.
Used to describe a visual variation that is hard to see.
We noticed a slight difference in the final budget numbers this month.
We noticed a slight difference in the final budget numbers this month.
A professional way to bring up a small change in data.
The pizza tastes great, though there's a slight difference in the spice level today.
The pizza tastes great, though there's a slight difference in the spice level today.
Friendly observation about a recurring experience.
The only slight difference between the twins is that one likes pineapple on pizza.
The only slight difference between the twins is that one likes pineapple on pizza.
Using the phrase to highlight a funny personality quirk.
I think there was a slight difference in how we both remembered the story.
I think there was a slight difference in how we both remembered the story.
Softens the blow when correcting someone you care about.
The study showed a slight difference in results across the two test groups.
The study showed a slight difference in results across the two test groups.
Used to report scientific or statistical findings accurately.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best word to complete the sentence regarding a small change.
I can't tell them apart; there is only a ___ difference in their height.
'Slight' is the standard collocation for a small, nearly unnoticeable difference.
Complete the professional observation.
There is a slight difference ___ the two versions of the contract.
We use 'between' when comparing two specific items using this phrase.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of 'Slight Difference'
Talking to friends about coffee.
A bit of a difference.
Standard daily use.
A slight difference.
Academic or legal writing.
A marginal discrepancy.
When to use 'Slight Difference'
Shopping
Comparing two shirt sizes.
Cooking
Adding a bit more salt.
Work
Correcting a small typo.
Weather
One degree warmer today.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문It means a very small or minor variation between two things. For example, There is a slight difference in color between these two pens.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without it sounding weird.
Yes, for physical traits or opinions. You could say, There is a slight difference in our opinions on the movie.
The opposite would be a huge difference, vast difference, or significant difference.
No, that is a common mistake. 'Slight' is an adjective for the noun 'difference'. You would say slightly different (adverb + adjective) instead.
A subtle difference is often even smaller and harder to notice than a slight difference. It usually requires a keen eye to see.
Yes, it is very common in research to describe small variations in data or results.
Yes, they are almost identical in meaning and can usually be swapped.
Yes, for example: There was a slight difference in our arrival times.
'Slight' sounds a bit more sophisticated and precise than 'small' when talking about differences.
관련 표현
Subtle difference
A difference so small it is hard to describe or see.
World of difference
The opposite; a very large and important difference.
Minor adjustment
A small change made to something to make it better.
Nuance
A very small, subtle quality or difference in meaning.
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