lightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action done with little weight, force, or intensity. Example: "She touched the surface of the water lightly, creating ripples that spread across the pond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perhaps because they were smarting over their failure to find anything they could stick him with over the PACER downloads, it seems the federal prosecutors had little desire to let him off lightly.

The Guardian - Tech

"This diet is not to be taken lightly and there are healthcare professionals who work specifically in administering it," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I got away pretty lightly really – 96 people dropped out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rice noodles are popular in the cuisine of eastern and south-eastern Asia and are generally only lightly cooked to retain a slightly chewy texture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm not saying it lightly, I'm just saying someone would have got seriously, seriously hurt if [the rioters] had come back after they'd been chased away.

The Guardian

Transfer to a lightly floured work surface and knead for a minute, until smooth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Spread these out on two parchment-lined trays – you don't want them to be too close together – and bake for 12-14 minuntil unthe the base is lightly golden but the top has not taken on any colour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"No council cuts jobs lightly, but many are being left with no choice.

The Guardian

What you produce with this recipe will be subtly different from what a restaurant might serve (the pancakes will take on a lightly toasted colour for example).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You cannot make lightly changes with the parameters that govern people's savings behaviour for their retirement over many many years.

The Guardian

The decision to take a boat is not taken lightly, he adds.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lightly" in cooking, specify the desired outcome: for instance, "lightly brown" or "lightly sauté" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "lightly" in formal contexts where stronger, more precise adverbs might be more suitable. For example, instead of saying "The issue was treated lightly", consider "The issue was dismissed summarily" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "lightly" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate a reduced degree of intensity or force. Ludwig provides examples like "lightly floured surface" and "lightly browned", illustrating its function in describing how an action is performed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

30%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lightly" functions as an adverb to denote a reduced degree of intensity or force. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including News & Media and Lifestyle, as demonstrated by numerous examples. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing. While alternatives like ""gently"" and ""softly"" exist, "lightly" provides a versatile option for expressing a nuanced degree of action or consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gently

Refers to doing something in a kind and careful way, emphasizing a soft touch or approach.

Softly

Indicates a low level of force or intensity, often related to sound or touch.

Slightly

Suggests a small degree or extent of something, indicating a minor adjustment or difference.

Delicately

Implies handling something with great care to avoid damage or causing offense.

Sparingly

Indicates using something in small quantities to conserve or make it last longer.

Moderately

Suggests doing something within reasonable limits, avoiding extremes.

Superficially

Refers to dealing with something only on the surface, without deep engagement.

Casually

Indicates a relaxed and informal manner, lacking seriousness or formality.

Faintly

Implies a weak or indistinct presence, often referring to sensory experiences.

Tenderly

Suggests showing affection or care in a gentle and loving way.

FAQs

How can I use "lightly" in a sentence?

You can use "lightly" to describe actions done with little weight or force. For example, "She "touched the surface" of the water lightly" or "The federal prosecutors had little desire to let him off "without serious consequences".

What are some synonyms for "lightly"?

Synonyms for "lightly" include "gently", "softly", "slightly", and "delicately". The best choice depends on the context.

Is it correct to say "lightly changes"?

While grammatically correct, "lightly changes" might sound awkward. Consider rephrasing to "minor changes" or "small adjustments" for greater clarity and impact.

What does it mean to not take something "lightly"?

To not take something "lightly" means to treat it seriously and with consideration. For example, "This diet is not to be "taken lightly"" implies that the diet requires careful attention and is not a casual undertaking.