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Glite Dictionary
lightly armored

lightly armored

6.7
With thin armor that protects against small weapons but not heavy ones
  • adjective
  • /ˈlaɪtli ˈɑrmərd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ligeramente blindado
  • Many lightly armored units were deployed to the region.
  • lightly armored vehicle

Examples

  • Due to its speed, the lightly armored transport can navigate difficult terrain more effectively than heavier vehicles.

  • Although lightly armored, the vessel could withstand attacks from small arms fire.

  • The scout vehicle was lightly armored to maximize speed and maneuverability.

  • These lightly armored trucks are vulnerable to heavier weapons on the battlefield.

  • The lightly armored vehicle was ideal for urban operations.

  • The military uses lightly armored vehicles for reconnaissance missions in urban areas.

  • The lightly armored convoy moved quickly through the narrow streets to avoid ambushes.

How Armored

armored
  • US
276 4.4
lightly armored
  • Specialized
6.7
unarmored
  • US
1 6.7

Surface Forms

lightly armored positive

Morphology

lightly + armored

The meaning is fully compositional: 'lightly' denotes a small degree and 'armored' means protected by armor, so together they mean 'protected to a small extent' (i.e. not heavily armored). This degree-modifying adjective pattern is non-idiomatic and common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Lightly armored shows the image of being lightly covered with armored plates instead of heavy ones. Because the protection is 'light', it can stop small guns but not heavy weapons, so the phrase means 'equipped with armor that protects against light weapons but not heavier firepower'.