Slender or slim?

Question

In an English test taken a few weeks ago I was given a dialogue (2 sentences) that was supposed to contain mistakes. From grammatical point of view I detected none. Please see below:

-John has been very ill lately.

- Yes, indeed. He looks rather slender these days.

However, the tutor considered I made a mistake as I didn't perceive the meaning of the adjective which bears a positive meaning and cannot be used in that context. . If you are ill, you cannot look "slender". But if you go to the gym, yes.

I checked the dictionaries and didn't see any reference.

Was the tutor right?

David Hatton · Accepted Answer

I am a tall, slim man. I often get people saying that I'm slim, which I accept as a positive comment. However, if someone said I was slender, I would be a bit surprised as it is used less and seems a little more personal. The word that I would find negative is 'thin'. If you were to use the word 'thin' to describe someone, it would mean they needed to put on some weight as they were probably not healthy.

'Slender' is not often used to describe a person's overall shape, but if it is, it's in a positive - even suggestive - way. 'Slim' is a positive and inoffensive way of describing a person's shape. 'Thin' is a slightly negative way of describing someone's shape, but can be used in a positive way if the other words and intent around it are positive.

E.g.

She has a really slender body.

Positive - maybe looking from a perspective of finding someone personally attractive, so could make someone feel uneasy.

She has a really slim body.

Positive - nobody is likely to be offended in any way by this.

She has a really thin body.

Negative - it implies there is something wrong with her and that she needs to be eating more.

She looks really nice and thin, and her clothes fit her beautifully.

Positive - the word 'thin' has been used with positive words and images to show how it is meant.

Slender or slim?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬