lightly

lightly
Ⅰ.
light [1] ► NOUN 1) the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible; electromagnetic radiation from about 390 to 740 nm in wavelength. 2) a source of illumination. 3) a device producing a flame or spark. 4) (lights) traffic lights. 5) an expression in someone's eyes. 6) an area that is brighter or paler than its surroundings. 7) enlightenment. 8) (lights) a person's opinions, standards, and abilities. 9) a window or opening to let light in.
► VERB (past lit; past part. lit or lighted) 1) provide with light. 2) ignite or be ignited.
► ADJECTIVE 1) having a considerable or sufficient amount of light. 2) (of a colour or object) reflecting a lot of light; pale.
● bring (or come) to light — Cf. ↑come to light
● in a light — Cf. ↑in a light
● in (the) light of — Cf. ↑in the light of
● light at the end of the tunnel — Cf. ↑light at the end of the tunnel
● the light of day — Cf. ↑the light of day
● the light of someone's life — Cf. ↑the light of someone's life
● light up — Cf. ↑light up
● see the light — Cf. ↑see the light
● throw (or cast or shed) light on — Cf. ↑throw light on
DERIVATIVES lightless adjective lightness noun.
ORIGIN Old English.
Ⅱ.
light [2] ► ADJECTIVE 1) of little weight. 2) deficient in weight. 3) not strongly or heavily built. 4) relatively low in density, amount, or intensity. 5) carrying or suitable for small loads. 6) gentle or delicate. 7) not profound or serious. 8) (of sleep or a sleeper) easily disturbed. 9) easily borne or done. 10) free from worry.
● make light of — Cf. ↑make light of
● make light work of — Cf. ↑make light work of
● travel light — Cf. ↑travel light
DERIVATIVES lightish adjective lightly adverb lightness noun.
ORIGIN Old English.
Ⅲ.
light [3] ► VERB (past and past part. lit or lighted) 1) (light on/upon) come upon or discover by chance. 2) (light into) N. Amer. informal criticize severely; attack.
ORIGIN Old English, «descend, alight».

English terms dictionary. 2015.

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  • Lightly — Light ly, adv. 1. With little weight; with little force; as, to tread lightly; to press lightly. [1913 Webster] Yet shall thy grave with rising flowers be drest, And the green turf lie lightly on thy breast. Pope. [1913 Webster] Him thus intent… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • lightly — [līt′lē] adv. 1. with little weight, pressure, or motion; gently 2. to a small degree or amount [to spend lightly] 3. nimbly; deftly 4. cheerfully; merrily 5. a) with indifference or neglect …   English World dictionary

  • lightly — (adv.) O.E. leohtlice so as not to be heavy (of material things, but also of sleep, blows, etc.); cognate with O.Fris. lichtelik, O.H.G. lihtlihho, Ger. leichtlich, O.N. lettlega (see LIGHT (Cf. light) (adj.1)). Meaning frivolously, indifferently …   Etymology dictionary

  • lightly — [adv] gently, effortlessly agilely, airily, breezily, carelessly, casually, daintily, delicately, easily, ethereally, faintly, flippantly, freely, frivolously, gingerly, heedlessly, indifferently, leniently, mildly, moderately, nimbly, peacefully …   New thesaurus

  • lightly — light|ly [ laıtli ] adverb ** ▸ 1 without much force ▸ 2 in/using small amounts ▸ 3 not seriously ▸ 4 cooked for a short time ▸ 5 waking up very easily ▸ 6 in a graceful way ▸ + PHRASES 1. ) without using much force or pressure: Her hands rested… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • lightly */*/ — UK [ˈlaɪtlɪ] / US adverb 1) without using much force or pressure Her hands rested lightly on his shoulders. 2) a) in a way that shows you think something is not important or serious Was it something I said? she asked lightly. b) [usually in… …   English dictionary

  • lightly — /luyt lee/, 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;… …   Universalium

  • lightly — light|ly [ˈlaıtli] adv 1.) with only a small amount of weight or force = ↑gently ▪ I knocked lightly on the door. 2.) using or having only a small amount of something ▪ a lightly greased pan ▪ lightly armed soldiers 3.) take/treat/approach sth… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • lightly — /ˈlaɪtli/ (say luytlee) adverb 1. with little weight, force, intensity, etc.: to press lightly on a bell. 2. to only a small amount or degree. 3. easily; without trouble or effort: lightly come, lightly go. 4. cheerfully: to take the news lightly …  

  • lightly — adverb 1 with only a small amount of weight or force; gently: Martin kissed his bride lightly on the cheek. 2 using or having only a small amount of something: Rub a casserole lightly with olive oil. | lightly armed soldiers 3 without worrying,… …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • lightly — adverb 1) Hermione kissed him lightly on the cheek Syn: softly, gently, faintly, delicately Ant: hard, heavily 2) season very lightly with paprika Syn: sparingly, slightly …   Thesaurus of popular words

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