lighthearted

adjective

light·​heart·​ed ˈlīt-ˌhär-təd How to pronounce lighthearted (audio)
1
: free from care, anxiety, or seriousness : happy-go-lucky
a lighthearted mood
2
: cheerfully optimistic and hopeful : easygoing
they can be lighthearted in the midst of miseryH. J. Forman
lightheartedly adverb
lightheartedness noun

Examples of lighthearted in a Sentence

his lighthearted attitude in the face of danger was the source of some concern
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Michelle told Poehler, 53, during their lighthearted conversation. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 16 May 2025 This lighthearted take on a serious subject also features some funny performances from a host of supporting actors, including Kang Hyoung-suk (Love In Contract) as Ui-joon’s best friend and Bae Hae-sun (Crash Course In Romance) as the doctor’s devoted nurse. Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 Both phrases are used to highlight cultural differences between the U.S. and Europe in a lighthearted way. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 May 2025 Stoner lawn art, as part of No-Mo May, taps into this ethos of sustainability but with a lighthearted and often irreverent twist. Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lighthearted

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lighthearted was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Lighthearted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighthearted. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

lighthearted

adjective
light·​heart·​ed -ˈhärt-əd How to pronounce lighthearted (audio)
: free from worry
lightheartedly adverb
lightheartedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lighthearted

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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