Definition of slender

The English word "slender" derives from the Old French word "slender" or "eslenger," which in turn was derived from the Latin word "exligeros," meaning "light in weight." "Exligeros" was formed by combining the prefix "ex," meaning "out" or "outside," with "liger," meaning "heavy" or "burdensome." The original meaning of "slender" in Old French, as well as in Middle English and early Modern English, was primarily related to weight, implying something light in comparison to something heavy. By the 16th century, however, the word had started to take on a new meaning, primarily associated with thinness and narrowness, which is the sense in which it is commonly used today. In summary, the origin of the word "slender" can be traced back to Latin, where it was formed by combining two root words, "ex" and "liger," to create a new meaning related to weight and lightness. Over time, this meaning evolved and became associated with thinness and narrowness, as we understand it today.