Meaning of lightly in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈlaɪtli/

   US accent

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   UK accent

   How to pronounce lightly in British English, in context ▾
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1. Adverb

   lightly

   Definitions

   1. without good reason

   Examples

   • « one cannot say such things lightly »
2. 2. with few burdens

   Examples

   • « experienced travellers travel light »
3. 3. with little weight or force

   Examples

   • « she kissed him lightly on the forehead »
4. 4. indulging with temperance

   Examples

   • « we eat lightly in the morning »

   Antonyms

   • heavily
   • intemperately
   • hard
5. 5. with indifference or without dejection

   Examples

   • « he took it lightly »
6. 6. in a small quantity or extent

   Examples

   • « spread the margarine thinly over the meat »
   • « apply paint lightly »

   Antonyms

   • thickly
7. 7. to a slight degree

   Examples

   • « her speech is only lightly accented »