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

Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell know how to keep the competitive nature at television's most prestigious award show fun and lighthearted. — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026

The idea had been brewing ever since Kennedy opened up about her high school antics during a lighthearted conversation with her dad at an airport a few years after graduating. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2026

The trailer opens with a montage of the happiest moments shared by young couple Wren (Dynevor) and Tate (Gyllenhaal), portraying the film as a seemingly lighthearted romantic comedy. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026

Heading into the 2026 season, Glenn seems more genuine, lighthearted and comfortable — a shift that may reflect his growing confidence in the roster the Jets assembled this offseason. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 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