Pronunciation: /ˈlaɪtli/

Definitions of lightly

adjective Not heavily or intensely.

Example Sentences

A1 She walked lightly on the grass.

A2 He tapped lightly on the door before entering.

B1 The cake was lightly frosted with a thin layer of icing.

B2 The artist brushed lightly over the canvas to create a subtle effect.

C1 The dancer moved lightly across the stage, barely making a sound.

C2 The fragrance of the flowers filled the room lightly, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

adverb In a gentle or delicate manner.

Example Sentences

A1 She walked lightly across the room.

A2 He tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

B1 The snow fell lightly on the ground, creating a beautiful scene.

B2 The chef lightly seasoned the dish with herbs before serving it.

C1 The artist painted the canvas lightly, creating a delicate masterpiece.

C2 The dancer moved lightly across the stage, captivating the audience with her grace.

Examples of lightly in a Sentence

formal She lightly tapped on the door before entering the room.

informal He lightly brushed off the crumbs from his shirt.

slang I just lightly grazed my knee, it's no big deal.

figurative His words lightly touched her heart, leaving a lasting impact.

Grammatical Forms of lightly

past tense

lightlyed

plural

lightlies

comparative

lightlier

superlative

lightliest

present tense

lightly

future tense

will lightly

perfect tense

have lightlyed

continuous tense

is lightlying

singular

lightly

positive degree

light

infinitive

to lightly

gerund

lightlying

participle

lightlyed

Origin and Evolution of lightly

First Known Use: 1200 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'lightly' originated from the Old English word 'lēohtlīce' which means 'easily, readily'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'lightly' has retained its original meaning of 'easily' but has also come to be used to describe something done with little force or pressure, or in a gentle manner.