lightly
/'laitli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- With little weight or force: In a gentle, delicate, or not heavy manner.
- To a small degree or extent: Slightly; not intensely or heavily.
- Without serious consideration or concern: Casually; in a carefree or indifferent manner.
- With little burden or encumbrance: Carrying or possessing little.
- Without good or sufficient reason: Frivolously; not with due seriousness.
Examples of Usage
- With little weight or force:
- She tapped him lightly on the shoulder to get his attention.
- The snow fell lightly on the rooftops.
- To a small degree or extent:
- The sauce is only lightly seasoned with salt.
- He is lightly tanned from his vacation.
- Without serious consideration or concern:
- He took the criticism lightly and didn't let it bother him.
- You shouldn't treat such serious matters lightly.
- With little burden or encumbrance:
- Experienced hikers pack lightly for long journeys.
- Without good reason:
- One does not make such accusations lightly.
Advanced Usage
- "To get off lightly": To receive less punishment or experience less difficulty than expected or deserved.
- Considering the damage he caused, he got off lightly with just a warning.
- "Lightly done": Cooked for a short time so it is not heavy or overcooked.
- I prefer my steak lightly done.
Variants and Related Words
- Light (adj., adv., n., v.): The base form. As an adjective, it can mean not heavy, pale, or gentle.
- Lighten (v.): To make or become lighter in weight, color, or mood.
- Lightness (n.): The quality of being light.
Synonyms
- Gently: With a mild, kind, or tender manner.
- Softly: In a quiet and gentle way.
- Slightly: To a small degree; not considerably.
- Casually: In a relaxed and informal way; without deep concern.
Antonyms
- Heavily: With a great weight or force; to a large degree.
- Seriously: In a solemn or thoughtful manner; with severe effect.
- Intensely: With extreme force, strength, or degree.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "To tread lightly": To act cautiously or diplomatically to avoid causing offense or trouble.
- You need to tread lightly when discussing politics with them.
- "Lightly regarded": Not considered important or worthy of respect.
- His contributions were lightly regarded by the committee.
Adverb
- to a slight degree
- her speech is only lightly accented
- in a small quantity or extent
- spread the margarine thinly over the meat
- apply paint lightly
- with indifference or without dejection
- he took it lightly
- indulging with temperance
- we eat lightly in the morning
- with little weight or force
- she kissed him lightly on the forehead
- with few burdens
- experienced travellers travel light
- without good reason
- one cannot say such things lightly