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light-handed

light-handed

1 5.9
Not using strong control and letting others act freely
  • adjective
  • /ˈlaɪtˌhændɪd/
translation icon : suave
  • When applying makeup, it's important to be light-handed with blush to avoid an overly dramatic look.

Once we got it on, woo, very pigmented go in light handed.

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Examples

  • "It's a light-handed approach to semantics to foster a broad

    Blog text (19)
  • This is prime example of a product that you need to be very light handed with because it is pigmented.

  • Everything we're doing is very light handed, soft.

  • So you do need to be a very, very light handed with this.

  • So I'm being very light handed and building up little by little.

  • You got to be super light handed with this guy, that's for sure.

  • So this is one of those products where you need to go light handed or just be prepared that it will feel like there is a lot of product on your eyes.

  • I like to be a bit light handed with shimmer here and then I just sort of, you know, go in with my finger.

  • Take them hunting, fishing, camping, or to other activities where you can allow your daughters to engage in "adult" activities and adventures while under close, but light-handed, supervision.

    Blog text (34)
  • To ensure a smooth transition, the manager took a light-handed approach to the team's restructuring.

Synonyms

gentle
vslight-handed
235 1.0

Kind and not strong in action, sound, or touch

deals subtly and unobtrusively rather than focusing on kindness
light
vslight-handed
79 1.0

Not strong and small in amount

applies subtle, unobtrusive methods rather than merely being slight
mild
vslight-handed
72 3.3

A person who is gentle and not forceful

acts with subtle, unobtrusive handling rather than personal gentleness
lenient
vslight-handed
32 4.4

Not strict about rules and punishment

deals subtly with situations rather than being forgiving about rules
mild-mannered
vslight-handed
19 3.4

A person who is gentle, calm, and not aggressive

applies subtle technique rather than describing a calm character
low-pressure
vslight-handed
5 3.9

Calm and gentle, not forceful or pushy

deals in a subtle, unobtrusive way rather than merely relaxed handling

Antonyms

14 6.3

Using too much force or strict control when dealing with people

How Forceful

heavy-handed
14 6.3
forceful
62 4.3
firm
73 2.7
light-handed
1 5.9
measured
4.1
tactful
11 4.0
delicate
105 3.9

Surface Forms

light-handed positive
light-handeder comparative
light-handedest superlative

Morphology

light-handed = light + handed (transparent) = light + handed

The meaning is directly built from 'light' + 'handed' to mean gentle or not forceful in handling.

Etymology

Light-handed comes from the English words light 'not heavy' and hand 'hand', meaning a gentle way of doing something. So, to be light-handed is to use a soft 'touch' and guide or change things without being strong or obvious.