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.
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

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

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Cite this Entry

“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightly. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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