lightly

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English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From Middle English lyghtly, liȝtliche, lihtliche, from Old English lēohtlīċe, equivalent to light +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈlaɪtli/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Rhymes: -aɪtli

Adverb

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lightly (comparative lightlier or more lightly, superlative lightliest or most lightly)

  1. In a light manner.
    As a teacher, I don't take rudeness in class lightly.
    • 1907 August, Robert W[illiam] Chambers, chapter VIII, in The Younger Set, New York, N.Y.: D. Appleton & Company, →OCLC:
      Elbows almost touching they leaned at ease, idly reading the almost obliterated lines engraved there. ¶ "I never understood it," she observed, lightly scornful. "What occult meaning has a sun-dial for the spooney? I'm sure I don't want to read riddles in a strange gentleman's optics."

Derived terms

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Translations

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References

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