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

• 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

That emotional flow is especially evident in The World’s First Tooth Fairy…Ever series that blends lighthearted plots with consistent emotional depth. —William Jones, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025

Amid the heavy topics, Wollam and her fellow fist-bumping attendee were among numerous protesters across metro Detroit who donned seemingly lighthearted outfits carrying a serious message from the movement. —Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 22 Oct. 2025

Several poked fun at the moment through lighthearted comments, while others expressed how their own canines also like to fill their days with an abundance of naps. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

Foodies flock to try chef-owner Ray Boonyapituksakul’s lighthearted approach to the craft of omakase. —Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025

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