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 recruited athletes out of high school who improve fast jump to brighter lights and bigger paydays.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025
The brand also sells Lightly Smoked Sardines in Olive Oil, but Rich said the plain alternative is her absolute favorite.
From Salon • Apr. 7, 2025
Lightly drape a piece of plastic wrap over the box to help contain moisture, but don’t seal it tightly.
From Washington Times • Dec. 5, 2023
Lightly brush the stone fruits, corn and garlic scapes with oil, and grill on both sides until dark grill marks appear.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 22, 2023
Lightly hitched to society, he imagined himself bound to grander forces.
From "Typical American" by Gish Jen
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.
