lightly
Americanadverb
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with little weight, force, intensity, etc.; gently.
to press lightly on a door bell.
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to only a small amount or degree; slightly.
lightly fried eggs.
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to leap lightly aside.
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with a lack of concern; indifferently; slightly.
to think lightly of one's achievements.
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cheerfully; without complaining.
to take bad news lightly.
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without due consideration or reason (often used negatively).
an offer not to be refused lightly.
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without trouble or effort; easily.
Lightly come, lightly go.
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frivolously; flippantly.
to behave lightly.
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airily; buoyantly.
flags floating lightly.
Etymology
Origin of lightly
First recorded before 900; Middle English lightli, Old English lēohtlīce; see light 2, -ly
Vocabulary lists containing lightly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lightly sweetened with honey, they’re lit up with warming spices and orange peel.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025
Reportedly produced in factories last month, the 4-ounce packages of both Planters Honey Roasted Peanuts and 8.75-ounce Planters Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts have been recalled.
From Salon • May 8, 2024
Lightly spraying ash with water will help keep it from becoming airborne.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2024
Lightly coat the foil with oil, then place it, oiled side up, in the center of a rimmed baking sheet.
From Washington Times • Dec. 21, 2023
Lightly, the asura felt around her own head, careful to avoid touching it with her deadly hand.
From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
