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lightly

 - 3 dictionary results

light⋅ly

  [lahyt-lee]
Use lightly in a Sentence
–adverb
1. with little weight, force, intensity, etc.; gently: to press lightly on a door bell.
2. to only a small amount or degree; slightly: lightly fried eggs.
3. nimbly; quickly: to leap lightly aside.
4. with a lack of concern; indifferently; slightly: to think lightly of one's achievements.
5. cheerfully; without complaining: to take bad news lightly.
6. without due consideration or reason (often used negatively): an offer not to be refused lightly.
7. easily; without trouble or effort: Lightly come, lightly go.
8. frivolously; flippantly: to behave lightly.
9. airily; buoyantly: flags floating lightly.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME lightli, OE lēohtlīce. See light 2 , -ly
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To lightly
light·ly   (līt'lē)   
adv.  

  1. With little weight or force; gently.

  2. To a slight extent or amount: apply paint lightly.

    1. With little difficulty; easily.

    2. With agility and grace; nimbly.

    3. In a carefree manner; cheerfully: took the news lightly.

    4. Without sufficient care or consideration; indifferently: treated the situation much too lightly.

    1. In a carefree manner; cheerfully: took the news lightly.

    2. Without sufficient care or consideration; indifferently: treated the situation much too lightly.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Idioms & Phrases

lightly

see get off (lightly); once over lightly.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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