Lightly - English meaning

adverb

In a way that shows that one is not treating something as serious; casually.

Usage examples:

He was airily dismissive of the question

adverb

In a casual or reckless way; inattentively.

Usage examples:

Roadsides are full of litter thrown carelessly by passers-by

adverb

In a manner displaying fineness of texture or structure and intricate workmanship.

Usage examples:

A silk dress delicately embroidered in gold

adverb

Carefully, in order to avoid causing physical damage

Usage examples:

Some goods needs to be handled delicately., the surgeon delicately removed shards of skull before s…

adverb

Without difficulty or effort.

Usage examples:

He climbed the mountain easily

adverb

In an easy way; without difficulty

Usage examples:

Ever since his surgery he tires very easily (= more quickly than usual).

adverb

In a faint manner; indistinctly.

Usage examples:

She smiled faintly

adverb

With little strength; slightly

Usage examples:

The hospital room smelled faintly of disinfectant.

adverb

With a mild, kind, or tender manner.

Usage examples:

She gently broke the news to her mum

adverb

Calmly, kindly, or softly

Usage examples:

He lifted the baby gently out of its crib., to smile/laugh/blow gently, the door closed gently., ge…

adverb

Without force or strength

Usage examples:

The door closed gently.

adverb

In a careful or cautious manner.

Usage examples:

Jackson sat down very gingerly

adjective

Showing great care or caution.

Usage examples:

A gingerly pace

adverb

In a slow, careful way

Usage examples:

Gingerly, he moved the heavy vase.

adverb

In a way that does not give attention to a risk or possible difficulty

Usage examples:

Mankind is heedlessly destroying the planet., such warnings should not be heedlessly disregarded.

adverb

In a way that punishes or judges someone less strongly or severely than would be expected

Usage examples:

Because of her age, she was likely to be treated leniently in court., he said senior officials caug…

adverb

In a mild or gentle manner.

Usage examples:

‘don't be childish,’ he reproved mildly

adverb

In a mild way

Usage examples:

We were mildly surprised to see him again., "i think you’ve made a mistake," he said mildly.

adverb

To a certain extent; quite; fairly.

Usage examples:

The event was moderately successful

adverb

Within a middle range in size, amount, or degree; neither great nor little

Usage examples:

The new apartment complex will be moderately priced for middle-income people., he was moderately su…

adverb

Used to describe an action or a quality that is not very large or small but between the two

Usage examples:

Moderately priced autos sell better during a recession., moderately sized clothing is frequently la…

adverb

Without hesitation or reluctance; willingly.

Usage examples:

He readily admits that the new car surpasses its predecessors

adverb

Willingly

Usage examples:

Cory readily admits he was hired because of his contacts., the complete collection is now readily a…

adverb

To a small degree; not considerably.

Usage examples:

He lowered his voice slightly

adverb

In a small amount or degree

Usage examples:

She’s slightly taller than her sister.

adverb

A little

Usage examples:

She's slightly taller than her sister., i'm slightly upset she forgot my birthday., i'm slightly wo…

adverb

In a careful and gentle manner.

Usage examples:

John kissed cynthia softly and tenderly

adverb

In a restricted or infrequent manner; in small quantities.

Usage examples:

The sharply flavoured leaves should be used sparingly

adverb

In small amounts, or without wasting any

Usage examples:

There wasn't enough coal during the war, so we had to use it sparingly., she created a natural look…

adverb

In a way that creates a thin piece or layer of something.

Usage examples:

Thinly sliced potatoes

adverb

In a way that is not difficult to see through or understand

Usage examples:

It was a thinly disguised attempt to gain control., thinly sliced cheese is good for sandwiches.

adverb

With few people buying or selling shares, etc.

Usage examples:

Thinly traded markets/securities/stocks there are thinly traded markets for all three companies' sh…

adverb

In a manner that shows a lack of courage or confidence.

Usage examples:

"will he live?" i asked timidly

adverb

In a shy or nervous way

Usage examples:

"um, excuse me," he said timidly., people peered timidly from their windows to assess the damage.

preposition

In the absence of.

Usage examples:

He went to sweden without her

adverb

Outside.

Usage examples:

The barbarians without the gates

conjunction

Without it being the case that.

Usage examples:

He won't be able to go without we know it