Slender
/ˈslɛndər/
Definitions
2 meaningsThin, slight, and graceful in build or structure.
/ˈslɛndər/
Thin and graceful in form or structure
The ballerina had a slender physique.
💡 Simply: Imagine a supermodel or a ballet dancer – they're slender, meaning they're thin and elegant. They aren't bulky or stocky. Their bodies have a delicate appearance that makes their movements look graceful and beautiful.
👶 For kids: When something is slender, it means it's long and skinny, like a pencil.
More Examples
The artist used a slender brush to create fine lines.
The slender stalks of the flowers swayed in the wind.
How It's Used
"The model's slender figure was perfect for the designer's clothes."
"The slender willow tree swayed gently in the breeze."
Small in amount, extent, or degree; limited.
/ˈslɛndər/
Small or narrow; limited
The company had a slender profit margin.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making dinner and you have a slender amount of ingredients—not much to work with! It means there's a small or limited amount of something like money or evidence.
👶 For kids: If you have a slender amount of cookies, it means you don't have very many.
More Examples
The evidence presented was slender.
We had a slender budget for the project.
How It's Used
"The company had a slender profit margin this quarter."
"The evidence was slender, but the police pursued the case."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
slender chance
A very small or unlikely possibility.
"There's a slender chance of the team winning the championship."
From Old English *slændra* (thin, slight, weak). Related to Old High German *slenta* (thin).
The word 'slender' has been used since the Old English period to describe a thin or slight form. It gained currency over the centuries for both physical appearance and in situations that needed precise or economic usage.
Memory tip
Think of a graceful dancer – slender and agile.