lighthearted

adjective

light·​heart·​ed ˈlīt-ˌhär-təd 

1

: free from care, anxiety, or seriousness : happy-go-lucky

a lighthearted mood

2

: cheerfully optimistic and hopeful : easygoing

… they can be lighthearted in the midst of misery …

—H. J. Forman

lightheartedly adverb

lightheartedness noun

Synonyms of lighthearted

• nonchalant
• carefree
• casual
• relaxed
• cavalier

Examples of lighthearted in a Sentence

his lighthearted attitude in the face of danger was the source of some concern

Recent Examples on the Web

Darren Yamashita / Imagn Images via Reuters Connect There was a lighthearted moment in the second inning when Webb struck out Colorado’s Zac Veen. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

That’s especially the case when the puppets belong to String & Shadow Puppet Theater, an Olympia, Washington,-based troupe known for its fanciful and lighthearted productions, presented each summer in a traveling tour. — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

For all its lighthearted, sapphic fun, Kris faces her fair share of jump scares at the hands of Billy and Little Death (Jack Haven), the ghost behind the camp’s murders. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026

With a careful renovation, this historic house enters its next chapter as a lighthearted family home. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lighthearted

• departed
• halfhearted
• imparted
• kindhearted
• restarted
• uncharted
• warmhearted
• wholehearted
• brokenhearted
• carted
• charted
• darted

Kids Definition

lighthearted

adjective

light·​heart·​ed -ˈhärt-əd 

: free from worry

lightheartedly adverb

lightheartedness noun