slightly superior

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly superior" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is marginally better or of higher quality compared to something else. Example: "In terms of performance, this model is slightly superior to the previous version."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I felt proud, and slightly superior.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Smug, slightly superior, naughty rebel Gruaniad journalist?

The Guardian - Sport

To see a slightly superior projection of what exists?

The Guardian - Film

Thus, Ahmadnagar managed to retain a slightly superior position.

Britannica

Edinburgh watches it all with interest – a slightly superior smile on its face.

The Guardian - Sport

It makes the viewer feel slightly superior, because the actors have accents and are quite posh.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When I came back I felt slightly superior to student politics, for instance.

The Guardian - Books

Occasionally, alarm bells ring when Dare starts to sound like an only slightly superior Tom Odell.

The Guardian - Music

SRK EOS was slightly superior for correlating the saturated liquid densities.

The Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics

Numerical values of time dependent deposit formation found slightly superior to the experimental values.

Applied Thermal Engineering

A 2003 review of controlled research found that medication is slightly superior to psychotherapy in the treatment of dysthymia.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options, use "slightly superior" to indicate a marginal advantage without overstating the difference. It is best when the difference is quantifiable but not dramatic.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly superior" when the difference is substantial or easily noticeable. In such cases, consider using stronger terms like "significantly better" or "considerably superior".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly superior" functions as a compound adjective used to modify a noun. It qualifies the noun by indicating that it possesses a quality that is marginally better than another. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly superior" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that is marginally better than something else. It's versatile and found in various contexts like Science, News & Media and Academia. While alternatives like "marginally better" or "somewhat better" exist, "slightly superior" offers a precise way to express a small advantage. Use it judiciously to avoid overstating the difference, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally better

Indicates a small degree of improvement or advantage, similar to "slightly superior" but emphasizes the marginal difference.

modestly superior

Replaces "slightly" with "modestly", maintaining a formal tone and emphasizing the limited degree of superiority.

somewhat better

Expresses a moderate level of improvement, a bit stronger than "slightly superior" but still implying a limited difference.

incrementally better

Highlights the gradual or step-by-step nature of the improvement.

a cut above

An idiomatic expression suggesting a noticeable improvement in quality or performance.

a notch above

Similar to "a cut above", this phrase implies a distinct but not overwhelming advantage.

a shade better

Emphasizes the subtlety of the improvement, using a metaphorical comparison.

improved to a small degree

A more verbose alternative that explicitly states the limited extent of the improvement.

demonstrably a little better

Highlights that the difference, although little, can be proved

perceptibly better

Highlights that the difference can be noticed or perceived

FAQs

How can I use "slightly superior" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly superior" to compare two things, indicating one is marginally better than the other. For instance, "This model is "slightly superior" to the previous version in terms of battery life".

What are some alternatives to "slightly superior"?

Alternatives include "marginally better", "somewhat better", or "a cut above", depending on the context and the desired emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "slightly superior" in formal writing?

Yes, "slightly superior" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific or technical contexts where precise comparisons are necessary. However, consider the audience and the specific context to ensure it conveys the intended meaning accurately.

What's the difference between "slightly superior" and "significantly superior"?

"Slightly superior" implies a small or marginal difference, while "significantly superior" indicates a notable and substantial advantage. Use the former when the difference is minimal and the latter when the difference is considerable.