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

There’s room to dig deeper into each of the characters without losing the play’s lighthearted charm. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026

Her lighthearted guiding philosophy was an ideal match for my novice cross-country ski skills and the tricky conditions. — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Nov. 2026

This lighthearted eulogy was far from the only time that Stewart addressed his eventual death. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026

But Waititi, who wrote and directed the film, forgoes any attempt to capture the book’s existential depth, offering a manic, lighthearted robot romp instead. — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 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