lightly

light|ly [ `laıtli ] adverb **

▸ 1 without much force

▸ 2 in/using small amounts

▸ 3 not seriously

▸ 4 cooked for a short time

▸ 5 waking up very easily

▸ 6 in a graceful way

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) without using much force or pressure:

Her hands rested lightly on his shoulders.

2. ) in small amounts or using only a small amount of something:

Lightly grease a cookie sheet.

Snow fell lightly on the rooftops.

3. ) in a way that shows you think something is not important or serious:

Was it something I said? she asked lightly.

a ) usually in negatives without considering something carefully and seriously:

The decision was not made lightly.

Our objections should not be dismissed so lightly.

4. ) cooked for a short time:

a lightly boiled egg

The steaks should be lightly grilled.

5. ) if you sleep lightly, you wake up very easily

6. ) in a graceful way:

She stepped lightly over the boxes.

get off/be let off lightly

to not be harmed or punished as severely as you might have been