lightly

American  

[lahyt-lee] / ˈlaɪt li /

adverb

1. with little weight, force, intensity, etc.; gently.

   to press lightly on a door bell.

2. to only a small amount or degree; slightly.

   lightly fried eggs.

3. nimbly; quickly.

   to leap lightly aside.

4. with a lack of concern; indifferently; slightly.

   to think lightly of one's achievements.

5. cheerfully; without complaining.

   to take bad news lightly.

6. without due consideration or reason (often used negatively).

   an offer not to be refused lightly.

7. without trouble or effort; easily.

   Lightly come, lightly go.

8. frivolously; flippantly.

   to behave lightly.

9. airily; buoyantly.

   flags floating lightly.

---

lightly Idioms  

1. see get off (lightly); once over lightly.

---

Etymology

Origin of lightly

First recorded before 900; Middle English lightli, Old English lēohtlīce; light ², -ly

Example Sentences

South Ayrshire Council said the decision had not been taken lightly and reflected "significant operational, environmental and financial pressures affecting the long term sustainability of the diving pool".

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Shelf-stable gnocchi, lightly tossed in oil, crisp where they touch the hot pan and remain tender within.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

Throughout the theater, the colors are springlike and muted, pastels that are lightly bright and storybook-inspired.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

"No farming community abandons fields and homes lightly," says archaeologist and co-first author Ramiro Barberena, a researcher at CONICET.

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026

Mama pulled the pitchfork out of the ground, then lightly tapped the open trap with the side of the fork.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce

Related Words

• casually
• delicately
• easily
• faintly
• freely
• gingerly
• mildly
• moderately
• quietly
• simply
• slightly
• softly
• sparsely
• subtly
• tenderly
• thinly