: 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
Bake until edges are firm and bottoms are lightly browned, 7 to 9 minutes.
—Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
Lady Annabel wore her privilege lightly, and in later years retreated to her home in Richmond, just outside London, enjoying her children, grandchildren and dogs away from the spotlight.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2025
Add the chicken and black pepper and sauté until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
—Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 18 Oct. 2025
The Chiefs cannot afford to take them lightly.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightly
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Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
Lady Annabel wore her privilege lightly, and in later years retreated to her home in Richmond, just outside London, enjoying her children, grandchildren and dogs away from the spotlight.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2025
Add the chicken and black pepper and sauté until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
—Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 18 Oct. 2025
The Chiefs cannot afford to take them lightly.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 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 23 Oct. 2025.
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