Lightly
/ˈlaɪtli/
Definitions
3 meaningsIn a way that is not heavy or forceful.
/ˈlaɪtli/
In a way that does not weigh much; not heavily.
He touched her shoulder lightly to get her attention.
💡 Simply: It means doing something without a lot of force or weight. Like when you tap your fingers *lightly* on the table, you're not hitting it hard.
👶 For kids: Doing something in a way that doesn't feel heavy or strong.
More Examples
The wind blew the leaves lightly across the yard.
Sprinkle the spices lightly over the dish.
She brushed the crumbs lightly from the table.
How It's Used
"She tapped her foot lightly."
"Stir the sauce lightly."
Without seriousness or consideration; casually.
/ˈlaɪtli/
Without much seriousness or thought; casually.
He dismissed the warning lightly, and regretted it later.
💡 Simply: It means to not take something seriously. Like, if you make a joke about something bad, you're taking it *lightly*. Or if someone insults you but it doesn't bother you, you're taking it *lightly*.
👶 For kids: Not caring too much about something or not taking it very seriously.
More Examples
She took the compliment lightly and blushed.
They treated the matter lightly, failing to understand its importance.
The judge remarked lightly on the defendant's case.
How It's Used
"He joked lightly about the situation."
"She took the criticism lightly."
To a small degree or extent; slightly.
/ˈlaɪtli/
The soup was lightly seasoned.
💡 Simply: It means a little bit. Like, you might say the soup is *lightly* salted if it only has a small amount of salt.
👶 For kids: Just a tiny bit.
More Examples
The room was lightly illuminated by the moon.
The news lightly affected her mood.
She was only lightly injured in the accident.
How It's Used
"The patient felt lightly dizzy."
"It was lightly raining."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
take something lightly
To not treat something as serious or important.
"He always takes his responsibilities lightly, leading to poor results."
From Middle English *lightly*, equivalent to light + -ly. The word 'light' itself comes from Old English *lēoht* (meaning 'not heavy, easy to carry').
Used in literature and everyday language since the Middle Ages, with meanings related to physical lightness and later to an attitude of casualness.
Memory tip
Think of a feather floating gently. It moves lightly.
Word Origin
"not heavy, easy to carry"