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

And to get the tournament unofficially started, the annual Par 3 Contest tradition brought some lighthearted family fun Wednesday. —Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025

The Par 3 Contest is a family-friendly affair that blends lighthearted fun with competitive spirit, offering a unique prelude to the intense battle for the green jacket. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025

This could be the lighthearted version of yourself that your partner first fell in love with, the one who had energy, jokes and charm. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025

The lighthearted anecdote seems to contradict what Pitt has said about filming Interview with the Vampire. —John Russell, People.com, 4 Apr. 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