lighthearted

adjective

light·​heart·​ed ˈlīt-ˌhär-təd 

1

: free from care, anxiety, or seriousness : happy-go-lucky

a lighthearted mood

2

: cheerfully optimistic and hopeful : easygoing

they can be lighthearted in the midst of misery

—H. J. Forman

lightheartedly adverb

lightheartedness noun

Synonyms

• blithe
• carefree
• debonair
• devil-may-care
• gay
• happy-go-lucky
• insouciant
• lightsome
• slaphappy
• unconcerned

Examples of lighthearted in a Sentence

his lighthearted attitude in the face of danger was the source of some concern

Recent Examples on the Web

Two short films take a lighthearted look at the process of getting a passport photo taken: Kier and Krieps are asked to follow all photo regulations, but allowed to keep their sunglasses on. —Miles Socha, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2025

The lighthearted post comes just a few days after Cardi hopped on Instagram for a more disheartening reason. —Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 1 Apr. 2025

Another viewer shared a slightly deeper observation amid all the lighthearted comments. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025

Griffin's combination of lighthearted comedy and threatening drama made Cranston the perfect fit for the role. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lighthearted

• departed
• halfhearted
• imparted
• kindhearted
• restarted
• uncharted
• warmhearted
• wholehearted
• brokenhearted
• carted
• charted
• darted

Kids Definition

lighthearted

adjective

light·​heart·​ed -ˈhärt-əd 

: free from worry

lightheartedly adverb

lightheartedness noun