Lighthearted
What it means
Cheerful and temporarily free from heavy concern.
Reach for it when describing harmless fun, an easy mood, or a pleasantly unserious approach
The neighbors enjoyed a lighthearted quiz after the budget meeting.
Words to choose between 7
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm |
|
| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
Fits when a lasting appetite for enjoyment is the trait
Careful Fun-loving describes character, while lighthearted may be only a moment.
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playful
Fits when imaginative fun or teasing shapes the behavior
Careful Playful can occur during focused or competitive activity.
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everyday
Fits when steady good spirits matter more than lack of seriousness
Careful Cheerful can coexist with serious purpose.
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warm
Fits when freedom from worry is the defining feeling
Careful Carefree can imply lack of responsibility.
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formal
Fits when hearty sociability describes a person's manner
Careful Jovial is louder and more personality-based than lighthearted.
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literary
Fits when the style treats its subject with easy informality
Careful Breezy can seem shallow when the subject deserves care.
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literary
Fits when festive happiness suits the scene
Careful Merry sounds seasonal or old-fashioned in many modern contexts.
Opposites 3
- somber
- grave
- worried
Common phrases 3
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lighthearted moment
A lighthearted moment gave the tired committee a welcome pause.
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lighthearted comedy
The lighthearted comedy ended the festival on an easy note.
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lighthearted approach
Her lighthearted approach made the icebreaker feel natural.
Word family 2
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Wodencafe, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC0 Updated