lightly: Meaning and Definition of

light•ly

Pronunciation: (līt'lē), [key]
— adv.
  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.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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