lightly

adverb

light·​ly ˈlīt-lē How to pronounce lightly (audio)
: 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 lightlyShelly Halpern
c
: with little difficulty : easily
e
: in an agile manner : nimbly, swiftly
the cat leapt lightly onto the table
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Editor’s note: Questions were lightly edited for clarity and brevity. Luke Smith, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 And this was not something to be undertaken lightly. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2025 The shrimp is marinated in an acidic dressing that produces an evenly seasoned and lightly pickled complement to the rich, and ever-so-slightly boozy mayonnaise. Liz Mervosh, Southern Living, 26 Mar. 2025 In the season of rebirth and revival, Asti’s bright, natural, lightly sparkling wines are the ideal companion for springtime meals of every stripe. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lightly

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lightly was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightly. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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