lightly meaning and definition

LIGHTLY adverb

Definition of lightly (adverb)

1. without good reason
   • "one cannot say such things lightly"
2. with few burdens
   • "experienced travellers travel light"
   • synonyms: light
3. with little weight or force
   • "she kissed him lightly on the forehead"
   • synonyms: gently, softly
4. indulging with temperance
   • "we eat lightly in the morning"
   • antonym: hard
5. with indifference or without dejection
   • "he took it lightly"
6. in a small quantity or extent
   • "spread the margarine thinly over the meat"; "apply paint lightly"
   • synonyms: thinly
   • antonym: thickly
7. to a slight degree
   • "her speech is only lightly accented"