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Definitions

lightly

[lahyt-lee] / ˈlaɪt li /
ADVERB
gently, effortlessly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
casually delicately easily faintly freely gingerly mildly moderately quietly simply slightly softly sparsely subtly tenderly thinly
WEAK
agilely airily breezily carelessly daintily ethereally flippantly frivolously heedlessly indifferently leniently nimbly peacefully readily slightingly smoothly sparingly tenuously thoughtlessly timidly unsubstantially well
Antonyms
STRONGEST
difficultly roughly uncarefully
WEAK
effortfully heavily

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This interview is lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

The IT worker in Aliquippa, Pa., bought a lightly used Kia EV6, after trying the same vehicle on a cheap lease for the past couple of years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Jared Daum, the parachute system manager for Artemis II, explains how it will work in comments to AFP that have been lightly edited for clarity.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

The duo regularly pick up food from local businesses which is either lightly damaged, past its best before date but before its use by date, or not needed.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

I look down at my arms, lightly tracing the outline of my patches and thinking about Ivy’s story.

From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish

Vocabulary lists containing lightly

Spelling Practice, Unit 7

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