lightly

Examples

• All

• You speak so lightly of it.

  Orlando (1992)

• I do not make these demands of you lightly.

  The Man with the Iron Fists (2012)

• We would just sort of discuss lightly and then just go write them.

• When we spoke after the show... we touched lightly on, for want of a better term... sexual technique.

  Celebrity (1998)

• I looked at Sherry across the table from me, speaking quickly and lightly in her voice.

  Fiction book (1991)

• I think that the proposition is one that ought not to be lightly dismissed.

  Academic text (2001)

• Call us to serve You, Lord, and we don't take that calling lightly.

  The Wrath of Becky (2023)

• He will not take it lightly.

  Coneheads (1993)

• Sonny, that ain't something you take lightly, man.

  Air (2023)

• She approached the difficult conversation lightly, not wanting to create tension.

Synonyms

C

casually

vslightly

103 2.5

In a relaxed, not very careful way

is about lacking seriousness and concern rather than only relaxed posture

N

nonchalantly

vslightly

9 7.4

In a calm way that shows no worry or excitement

is similar but stresses casualness and lack of thought rather than calmness

G

glibly

vslightly

3 7.7

Speak in a smooth way that does not seem honest

relates by lack of depth but lacks the casual, unconcerned tone

B

breezily

vslightly

1 4.9

In a casual, confident way that shows no worry

is more neutral, stressing lack of seriousness rather than cheerful tone

A

airily

vslightly

1 6.7

In a light, careless way that shows little worry

is like this but framed neutrally as lack of seriousness

L

light-heartedly

vslightly

1 3.8

In a cheerful, carefree way without showing worry

is less about cheerfulness and more about absence of seriousness

C

cursorily

vslightly

1 7.7

Quickly and not carefully, so you miss details

shares lack of thought but focuses on speed rather than casual attitude

W

weightlessly

vslightly

6.5

In a casual way that shows little worry or care

focuses on lack of seriousness or thought rather than emotional weight

Antonyms

S

seriously

∞ 1.6

In a way that shows you mean what you say

T

thoughtfully

43 3.7

In a careful way that shows you pay attention before deciding

Compounds

L

lightly-armed

• Specialized

3 5.3

With only small weapons and no heavy guns

L

lightly armored

• Specialized

6.7

With thin armor that protects against small weapons but not heavy ones

How Serious

seriously

606 1.6

lightly

116 1.6

flippantly

3 8.0

jokingly

27 2.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology