: in a light manner: such as
a
: with little weight or force : gently
b
: with indifference or carelessness : unconcernedly
the problem should not be passed over lightly—
Shelly Halpern
Shelly Halpern
c
: with little difficulty : easily
d
: gaily, cheerfully
f
: in a small degree or amount
lightly salted food
Examples of lightly in a Sentence
He talks lightly about the problems he's been having at work.
She moved lightly across the room.
These vegetables can be eaten either raw or lightly cooked.
Our troops were armed too lightly to take on the heavily armed invaders.
Considering the harm he did, he's gotten off lightly with only a warning.
The judge let her off lightly with a short sentence.
Recent Examples on the Web
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
—Luke Garrett, NPR, 7 Apr. 2025
Her comments were lightly edited: What is the goal of the summit?
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025
The fabric is lightly stretchy but will still retain its shape even after regular wear.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2025
My decision to remain single and childless hasn’t been decided lightly.
—Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Luke Garrett, NPR, 7 Apr. 2025
Her comments were lightly edited: What is the goal of the summit?
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025
The fabric is lightly stretchy but will still retain its shape even after regular wear.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2025
My decision to remain single and childless hasn’t been decided lightly.
—Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Cite this Entry
“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightly. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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