Light-footed
adj.energetic, capableliterary
What it means
Moving with quiet, quick, and graceful ease.
Reach for it when describing agile physical movement with a literary or dance-oriented tone
The light-footed guide crossed the loose stones without disturbing them.
Choose between these
6- playful
lively movement, especially at an unexpected age, fits
not when Spry can sound patronizing when age is not relevant.
- everyday
quick controlled movement is the practical quality
not when Nimble does not necessarily suggest quietness or grace.
- professional
rapid changes of position are performed capably
not when Agile can describe organizations and lacks the delicate footwork image.
- professional
stable placement on difficult ground matters
not when Sure-footed emphasizes security rather than lightness.
- literary
speed is the admired quality
not when Fleet says little about silence, balance, or delicacy.
- literary
supple graceful bodily movement is central
not when Lithe often suggests a slender build that light-footed does not.
Said against
3- heavy-footed
- clumsy
- plodding
It naturally appears in
3- light-footed dancer
The light-footed dancer seemed to skim the stage.
- remain light-footed
Boxers remain light-footed to change direction quickly.
- light-footed movement
Light-footed movement kept the actors quiet backstage.