lightly

adverb

light·​ly ˈlīt-lē How to pronounce lightly (audio)
: in a light manner: such as
a
: with little weight or force : gently
b
: with indifference or carelessness : unconcernedly
the problem should not be passed over lightlyShelly Halpern
c
: with little difficulty : easily
e
: in an agile manner : nimbly, swiftly
the cat leapt lightly onto the table
f
: in a small degree or amount
lightly salted food

Examples of lightly in a Sentence

He talks lightly about the problems he's been having at work. She moved lightly across the room. These vegetables can be eaten either raw or lightly cooked. Our troops were armed too lightly to take on the heavily armed invaders. Considering the harm he did, he's gotten off lightly with only a warning. The judge let her off lightly with a short sentence.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 15,000-square-foot spa and 62 rooms and suites (with 16 standalone cottages), sit lightly upon the Middle Tennessee landscape. Jessica Ritz, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2024 Plus, the previous rush to other popular states boosted the cost-of-living in those locales, lightly muting the Golden State’s hefty affordability challenges. Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024 It’s just lightly sweetened with maple syrup, but the brand also has flavors that lean savory like Sweet Curry if that’s more your jam.—K.K. Prefer your granola in cookie form? Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 6 Nov. 2024 Ingredients: 1 part Lo-Fi Gentian Amaro 1 part Mezcal Directions: Build over ice in a rocks glass and lightly stir to mix, creating a smoky, intriguing sip. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lightly 

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lightly was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near lightly

Cite this Entry

“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightly. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on lightly

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