lighthearted

adjective

light·​heart·​ed ˈlīt-ˌhär-təd How to pronounce lighthearted (audio)
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 miseryH. J. Forman
lightheartedly adverb
lightheartedness noun

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 This mostly lighthearted mixer had a serious purpose: getting university leaders to see and support rural students. Matt Krupnick, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2023 After a morning at D.C.'s Willard InterContinental Hotel, the turkeys received their pardon during a lighthearted ceremony. Molly Nagle, ABC News, 20 Nov. 2023 In addition to her lighthearted video message on Monday, Wentworth also marked her anniversary with Stephanopoulos by sharing a photo from their wedding on Instagram, capturing the pair cutting an elaborate cake decorated with seashells. Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 20 Nov. 2023 Curtis Sittenfeld’s lighthearted novel about a sketch comedy TV writer falling for a hunky, John Mayer-esque pop star is a perfect blend of serious and cheesy, romance and pragmatism. Seth Combs, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2023 Is the mood serious, or is there room for lighthearted banter? Listen actively. Mike S. Shapiro, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 For the type-A friend The pal that always resolves to get her year started on the right note will appreciate this lighthearted take on the annual planner. Sarah Grossbart, wsj.com, 9 Nov. 2023 Those surges have made Instagram, an app generally associated with lighthearted social media posts and lifestyle influencers, a suddenly crucial view into Gaza. Jason Abbruzzese, NBC News, 3 Nov. 2023 While the pre-fall 2023 suit was also styled with metallic gold shoes on the runway, swapping a boot for a summery sandal creates a dynamic juxtaposition with Theron’s wintery suit, and gives a lighthearted twist on an outfit that could’ve walked straight off the runway as is. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lighthearted.' 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 at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lighthearted was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near lighthearted

Cite this Entry

“Lighthearted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighthearted. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

lighthearted

adjective
light·​heart·​ed -ˈhärt-əd How to pronounce lighthearted (audio)
: free from worry
lightheartedly adverb
lightheartedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lighthearted

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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