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

No one should ever use the word revolution lightly. —Ian Bremmer, Time, 28 Dec. 2025

Prefab Tiny Home For world travelers, digital nomads, and anyone who loves the idea of living lightly on their own terms, this under-$11K foldable home is basically a choose-your-own-adventure property. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025

Uncover, sprinkle remaining bacon on top, and bake until cheese is lightly browned, about 5 minutes. —Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025

Steaming, boiling, or lightly frying sprouts can enhance their taste. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 27 Dec. 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