| 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. |