lightly
adverbcommon in dialogue
- //ˈlaɪtli//
In a light manner.
adverb
- 1
In a light manner.
As a teacher, I don't take rudeness in class lightly.
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."
In the Southern Region of British Railways, most of the damage was caused by earthslips which blocked one or both roads. Obstructions occurred at 21 places in the London Eastern District, and at 18 places in London Central District. On the other hand, the London Western District escaped comparatively lightly.
Etymology
From Middle English lyghtly, liȝtliche, lihtliche, from Old English lēohtlīċe, equivalent to light + -ly.
Forms
- comparative
- lightlier, more lightly
- superlative
- lightliest, most lightly