light-handed

adjective

light-hand·​ed ˈlīt-ˌhan-dəd How to pronounce light-handed (audio)
: having a light or delicate touch : facile
a light-handed translation
light-handedness noun

Examples of light-handed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Their light-handed approach is still legible in the artifacts and settlement patterns of post-Collapse farming communities and preserved in the flexible tribute schedules for Maya farmers documented by 16th century Spanish monks. Chelsea Fisher, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2024 Four decades and dozens of films on, Wenders remains a light-handed auteur open to the moment. Nathan Taylor Pemberton, The New Yorker, 10 Dec. 2023 The fine seems a little light-handed in this instance, however, since messing with someone’s tree stand can have disastrous (and even fatal) consequences. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 15 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'light-handed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of light-handed was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near light-handed

Cite this Entry

“Light-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light-handed. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on light-handed

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