lighthearted

1 of 2

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

lightheartedness

2 of 2

noun

light·​heart·​ed·​ness

: the quality or state of being lighthearted

scientists are unduly sensitive to any suspicion of lightheartedness in serious journals

—T. H. Savory

smiled innocently at their lightheartedness

—Robert Hichens

Synonyms of lighthearted

Adjective

• nonchalant
• carefree
• casual
• relaxed
• cavalier

Examples of lighthearted in a Sentence

Adjective

his lighthearted attitude in the face of danger was the source of some concern

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In contrast to these grave descriptions, an unknown Irish monk from the ninth century offers a more lighthearted view of scriptorium life. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026

The Armchair Expert host, 51, shared a lighthearted post on Instagram on Saturday, July 4, featuring Bell, 45, giving him a trim at home. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026

What works in a lighthearted viral moment would likely be inappropriate during a safety, legal, or reputational-related crisis. — Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Fans of both teams traded chants and lighthearted razzing as their light-rail train neared the stadium. — Gabriel Sama, Mercury News, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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