adjective Not heavily or intensely.
adverb In a gentle or delicate manner.
To lightly season a dish means to add a small amount of seasoning for a subtle flavor.
To lightly jog means to run at a moderate pace, not too fast or too slow.
To lightly water plants means to water them gently without over-saturating the soil.
To lightly dust flour on a surface means to sprinkle a small amount of flour evenly.
To apply makeup lightly means to use a small amount for a natural look.
In writing, 'lightly' can be used to describe a subtle or gentle touch in prose or poetry, such as 'she lightly brushed her fingers against the silk curtains.'
Psychologists may use 'lightly' when discussing a gentle approach to therapy or counseling, such as 'approach the topic lightly to avoid triggering any negative emotions.'