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

And in one of the more lighthearted moments of the discussion, Barrett recounted a recent family vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains. —Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025

Now, even lighthearted comments can be captured, summarized and circulated. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2025

During a recent appearance on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' Anthony delivered a lighthearted retirement message to James. —Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025

In a more lighthearted turn of events, the finale also set up a potential love triangle between Morgan, Karadec, and Tom, the janitor played by JD Pardo. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 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