lightly

[ lahyt-lee ]

/ ˈlaɪt li /

with little weight, force, intensity, etc.; gently: to press lightly on a door bell.

to only a small amount or degree; slightly: lightly fried eggs.

nimbly; quickly: to leap lightly aside.

with a lack of concern; indifferently; slightly: to think lightly of one's achievements.

cheerfully; without complaining: to take bad news lightly.

without due consideration or reason (often used negatively): an offer not to be refused lightly.

easily; without trouble or effort: Lightly come, lightly go.

frivolously; flippantly: to behave lightly.

airily; buoyantly: flags floating lightly.

QUIZZES

Take this quiz to see if you really know the difference between “compliment” and “complement"!

Question 1 of 11

“Compliment” and “complement” had a shared meaning a long time ago, but today they are no longer interchangeable.

before 900; Middle English lightli, Old English lēohtlīce. See light², -ly

And it often travels so lightly that you can forget you are clothed in its benefits.
What Would Happen if I Got in White Cop’s Face?|Goldie Taylor|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
On a lightly floured board, roll each pastry to an 11-inch square.
Make These Barefoot Contessa Chicken Pot Pies|Ina Garten|November 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Future lives, careers and attitudes were being determined in this lightly regulated fever.
The Castration of Alan Turing, Britain’s Code-Breaking WWII Hero|Clive Irving|November 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They also emboldened the Kurdish defenders, who are lightly armed and fending off heavy armor.
America’s WTF Air War in Syria|Jamie Dettmer|October 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST

He had been involved in an accident while he “was lightly hovering.”
Monty Python Forgot Their Lines on Opening Night, but Who Cares?|Nico Hines|July 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Judith left the piano, sat beside him, and he lightly kissed her.
Linda Condon|Joseph Hergesheimer
He was a handsome youngster, lightly clad and barefooted; and, although not yet full grown, of a strong and active build.
Kate Bonnet|Frank R. Stockton
A woman's reputation—a thing so lightly thrown away with an idler's word, a Lovelace's smile!
Under Two Flags|Ouida [Louise de la Ramee]
The moment after, the terrible creature touched the floor as lightly as a monkey, on his hands.
The Law and the Lady|Wilkie Collins
But aloud he said, lightly: "Perhaps you may find it expedient to do the same thing, Miss West."
Lancaster's Choice|Mrs. Alex. McVeigh Miller

lightly

see get off (lightly); once over lightly.