lightly

adverb

light·​ly ˈlīt-lē 

: in a light manner: such as

a

: with little weight or force : gently

b

: with indifference or carelessness : unconcernedly

… the problem should not be passed over lightly …

—Shelly Halpern

c

: with little difficulty : easily

d

: gaily, cheerfully

e

: in an agile manner : nimbly, swiftly

the cat leapt lightly onto the table

f

: in a small degree or amount

lightly salted food

Synonyms of lightly

• easily
• smoothly
• effortlessly
• easy
• freely
• efficiently
• readily

Examples of lightly in a Sentence

He talks lightly about the problems he's been having at work.

She moved lightly across the room.

These vegetables can be eaten either raw or lightly cooked.

Our troops were armed too lightly to take on the heavily armed invaders.

Considering the harm he did, he's gotten off lightly with only a warning.

The judge let her off lightly with a short sentence.

Recent Examples on the Web

When choosing a fresh pineapple, look for one that feels heavy and smells lightly sweet near the base. — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 3 July 2026

Pat lightly with clean fingertips or a makeup sponge to blend any shine. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026

Pat lightly with clean fingertips or a makeup sponge if needed to blend any shine. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 2, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Using a pair of tongs and a towel, lightly rub the heated grill grates with a little grapeseed oil. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lightly

• take lightly
• tread lightly

Rhymes for lightly

• brightly
• knightly
• nightly
• rightly
• sightly
• slightly
• sprightly
• tightly
• whitely
• forthrightly
• fortnightly
• politely