: in a light manner: such as
a
: with little weight or force : gently
b
: with indifference or carelessness : unconcernedly
the problem should not be passed over lightly—
Shelly Halpern
Shelly Halpern
c
: with little difficulty : easily
d
: gaily, cheerfully
f
: in a small degree or amount
lightly salted food
Examples of lightly in a Sentence
He talks lightly about the problems he's been having at work.
She moved lightly across the room.
These vegetables can be eaten either raw or lightly cooked.
Our troops were armed too lightly to take on the heavily armed invaders.
Considering the harm he did, he's gotten off lightly with only a warning.
The judge let her off lightly with a short sentence.
Recent Examples on the Web
Rowan lightly scratched his arm with her fingernails to get his attention.
—Jessica Sager, People.com, 24 July 2025
Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with olive oil.
2.
—Andee Tagle, NPR, 24 July 2025
As reported, Camera Della Moda has not been taking these issues lightly.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 23 July 2025
Add the rice and cook for 2 minutes, or until lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightly
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Jessica Sager, People.com, 24 July 2025
Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with olive oil.
2.
—Andee Tagle, NPR, 24 July 2025
As reported, Camera Della Moda has not been taking these issues lightly.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 23 July 2025
Add the rice and cook for 2 minutes, or until lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Cite this Entry
“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightly. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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