* Experienced a brief moment of surprise or alarm. It suggests a sudden, unexpected event or realization, causing them to jump or flinch slightly.
* Was caught off guard. The "slight start" indicates that they were not fully prepared for what happened or was said.
* Was somewhat startled, but not overly frightened. The phrase "slight start" suggests a mild reaction, not a full-blown panic.
For example:
* "He smiled (with a slight start) and said, "Hello." This implies that he was surprised to see the other person, but still managed to be polite.
* "The door creaked open (with a slight start), and she froze." This implies that the sound of the door surprised her, making her cautious.
Overall, the parenthetical "(with a slight start)" provides a subtle detail that adds nuance to the character's reaction and reveals their internal state in that moment.