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

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

While many users turn to this TikTok format as a lighthearted way to poke fun at themselves and their friends, a popular subsection of it tells darker stories. — Stephanie Kasulka, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026

This magazine, established in 1955, publishes lighthearted parodies of academic literature, bogus scientific studies, and satirical commentary on absurd research. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026

White suggests coming up with clever or punny team names that add to the lighthearted atmosphere. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 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