lightly

adverb

light·​ly ˈlīt-lē 

: 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

c

: with little difficulty : easily

d

: gaily, cheerfully

e

: in an agile manner : nimbly, swiftly

the cat leapt lightly onto the table

f

: in a small degree or amount

lightly salted food

Synonyms of lightly

• easily
• smoothly
• effortlessly
• easy
• freely
• efficiently
• readily

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

Return to oven, and bake until hot and bubbly around edges and chips are lightly golden brown, about 10 minutes. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025

Press down lightly with the back of a large spoon until all the bread is moistened. —Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025

The way that Gladys’ black magic operates is only lightly sketched and under-explained for the better. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lightly

• take lightly
• tread lightly

Rhymes for lightly

• brightly
• knightly
• nightly
• rightly
• sightly
• slightly
• sprightly
• tightly
• whitely
• forthrightly
• fortnightly
• politely