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

Despite some lighthearted opposition, the bill passed unanimously in committee and will move forward. —Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 8 Jan. 2026

The ad highlights unlucky fantasy football participants as well as takes lighthearted digs at the 22-year-old athlete. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026

There’s also a palpable push to up the Pittsburgh-specific material that honors the real place outside the hospital doors, from somber reminders of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting to lighthearted traditions like an annual furry convention. —Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Jan. 2026

Indiana legislators have been filing bills for the 2026 legislative session, which begins again Monday, and some of the bills have a lighthearted goal. —Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 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