Skip to main content
lightsomely

lightsomely

9.3
In a quick, gentle way that looks graceful
  • adverb
  • /ˈlaɪt.sə.mli/
  • Archaic
translation icon : ligeramente
  • She danced lightsomely across the polished floor, barely making a sound.

Examples

  • Despite her heavy skirt, she stepped lightsomely onto the boat.

  • The cat moved lightsomely along the top of the fence, tail held high.

  • She danced lightsomely across the stage.

  • He moved lightsomely through the crowd.

  • She danced lightsomely across the polished floor, barely making a sound.

  • Despite her heavy skirt, she stepped lightsomely onto the boat.

  • The cat moved lightsomely along the top of the fence, tail held high.

Synonyms

fluidly
vslightsomely
4 3.8

In a smooth, easy way without pauses

is lighter and quicker rather than only smooth continuity
nimbly
vslightsomely
4 4.0

Move quickly and lightly in a way that shows skill

is equally quick but stresses overall graceful appearance
trippingly
vslightsomely
  • Literature
1 8.9

In a light, quick, and graceful way, like dancing or speaking

is quick and graceful but less overtly playful or lively
agilely
vslightsomely
4.0

Move quickly and lightly with skill and control

is lighter and more graceful rather than focused on agility
balletically
vslightsomely
7.4

In a graceful way like a ballet dancer

is lighter and quicker instead of formal refined elegance

Antonyms

243 1.1

In a way that shows great weight or effort

38 2.7

In a clumsy or uncomfortable way, often showing nervousness around other people

How Graceful

gracefully
56 2.8
lightsomely
  • Archaic
9.3
nimbly
4 4.0
spryly
1 5.6
lightly
86 1.0

Surface Forms

lightsomely positive

Morphology

lightsomely = lightsome (semi-transparent) = light + some + ly

Built from 'lightsome' + '-ly'; the motion-related sense is derivable, but 'lightsome' and the suffix '-some' are not highly productive in modern English.

Etymology

Lightsomely comes from light ('not heavy') plus -some ('full of') and the ending -ly, and it is like the common word lightly. So think of moving as if you have no weight—quick and graceful—which is why lightsomely means 'in a quick, light, and graceful way'.