slender
UK: ˈslɛndə | US: ˈslɛndər
adj. 1. (of a person or part of the body) gracefully thin; slim.
adj. 2. (of something abstract) barely sufficient in amount or basis; meager.
adj. 3. (of sound) thin and high-pitched.
slender = slend<thin> + er<comparative suffix>
- slend (from Middle English slendre, likely of Germanic origin, related to Dutch slinder "slender")
- er (a common English suffix forming adjectives, often indicating a comparative degree)
Etymology Origin:
The word slender traces back to Middle English, where it likely evolved from Germanic roots, possibly influenced by Dutch slinder. The core idea of "thinness" has persisted, though the word later expanded to describe abstract scarcity (e.g., "slender hopes") and auditory qualities. The suffix -er subtly reinforces the comparative nature of the adjective, though it no longer functions as a true comparative in modern usage.
She had a slender figure that made her stand out in the crowd.
The evidence supporting his claim was slender at best.
A slender thread of smoke rose from the distant chimney.
The tree’s slender branches swayed in the breeze.
His voice was slender and barely audible over the noise.