Meaning of the word lightly in English

What does lightly mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

lightly

US /ˈlaɪt.li/

UK /ˈlaɪt.li/

with little weight or force

Example:

•

She touched his arm lightly.

•

The snow fell lightly on the ground.

Synonym:

gently softly delicately faintly mildly

with little clothing or covering

Example:

•

He was dressed lightly for the warm weather.

•

The bed was covered lightly with a thin sheet.

Synonym:

sparsely thinly scantily

with little seriousness or concern

Example:

•

He took the criticism too lightly.

•

Don't treat serious matters so lightly.

Synonym:

casually flippantly carelessly indifferently unseriously