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

In addition to offering lighthearted, family-friendly fun, adults will also find a deeper layer that explores very real class disparities in our world. —James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Jan. 2026

With the sun, Mercury and Mars activating your expansive ninth house, chances are your curiosities don’t feel lighthearted. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026

Wearing one of the spoof hats, protester Kristian Boye, 49, said the gathering in front of Copenhagen City Hall struck a lighthearted tone while delivering a serious message. —James Brooks, Fortune, 19 Jan. 2026

That the first 28 Years Later ended its somber meditation on grief with a scene of Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) and his acolytes doing Power Rangers moves on a horde of the infected suggested that the next movie would be a more lighthearted affair. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 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