: 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 lightly—
Shelly Halpern
Shelly Halpern
c
: with little difficulty : easily
d
: gaily, cheerfully
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
It’s crafted with soft microfiber that’s gentle on skin and is lightly lined with removable pads for a barely-there look.
—Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
Here’s some of our conversation, very lightly edited and condensed for clarity.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
Answer: Select a lightly shady to full sun location for your rain lily planting.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025
American consumers have long enjoyed the lightly sparkling Vinho Verdes and some of the Dãos, but there are now excellent examples of wines from the Touriga Nacional (which originated from Dão) to Tinta Roriz and Castelăo red grapes to the Alvarinho and Loueiro white.
—John Mariani, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightly
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Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
Here’s some of our conversation, very lightly edited and condensed for clarity.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
Answer: Select a lightly shady to full sun location for your rain lily planting.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025
American consumers have long enjoyed the lightly sparkling Vinho Verdes and some of the Dãos, but there are now excellent examples of wines from the Touriga Nacional (which originated from Dão) to Tinta Roriz and Castelăo red grapes to the Alvarinho and Loueiro white.
—John Mariani, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Cite this Entry
“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightly. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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