LIGHTLY


Meaning of LIGHTLY in English

/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; indifferently; slightly: to think lightly of one's achievements.

5. cheerfully; without complaining: to take bad news lightly.

6. without due consideration or reason (often used negatively): an offer not to be refused lightly.

7. easily; without trouble or effort: Lightly come, lightly go.

8. frivolously; flippantly: to behave lightly.

9. airily; buoyantly: flags floating lightly.

[ bef. 900; ME lightli, OE leohtlice. See LIGHT 2 , -LY ]

Random House Webster's Unabridged English dictionary.      Полный английский словарь Вебстер - Random House .