Here's a breakdown:
* Perceived: Means something that is understood or interpreted, not necessarily the actual truth.
* Slight: A small, insignificant act or remark.
The key aspect of a "perceived slight" is that it is subjective. What one person might consider a slight, another might not even notice. This can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings, especially if the person who feels slighted does not communicate their interpretation of the event.
Examples:
* A coworker forgets to include you in a meeting invite. You might perceive this as a slight, even if they simply made a mistake.
* Someone makes a joke that you find offensive, even though they intended it to be funny.
* A friend cancels plans at the last minute without offering an explanation. You might feel slighted and wonder if you are unimportant to them.
It's important to remember that everyone has different experiences and sensitivities. What might seem like a minor thing to one person can be hurtful to another. When dealing with a perceived slight, it's usually best to communicate openly and honestly with the other person to avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings.