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

• 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

So getting the chance to do something lighthearted and fun, like Happy Gilmore [2], was a dream. —Leila Cobo, Billboard, 1 Oct. 2025

Andrews showed off her dramatic range in 1965 when she was cast alongside the late Christopher Plummer as Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music, a departure from her earlier lighthearted musical roles. —Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025

But, as Stewart and Barrymore explained on Monday’s episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, the lighthearted incident wasn't the start of any deep feud between them. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025

For readers, try an atmospheric mystery, a spooky gothic novel, or even a lighthearted romantic comedy set in autumn. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2025

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