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.
Despite the lighthearted framing of the post, many comments conveyed genuine sadness or guilt—often about animals taken on without fully understanding the commitment involved. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025 What was initially a lighthearted challenge has become a physically taxing sport, formalized by Major League Eating and extensive media attention. Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025 While there's little harm in some lighthearted humor, crossing someone's boundaries — whether intentional or not — can sour the mood for everyone. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 The annual Ag Day highlights Tennessee farmers and the state's agriculture industry, in addition to featuring a lighthearted competition between state leaders. Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 2 July 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 18 Jul. 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

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