NYT Dictionary

LIGHTLY

/ˈlaɪtli/
AdverbLIGHT-lylight-ly · 2 syllablesGrade 6

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

In a light manner.

Etymology

Origin: Old English

From Middle English lyghtly, liȝtliche, lihtliche, from Old English lēohtlīċe, equivalent to light + -ly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

lightsoftlygentlythinlybarelycheerfullyeasilyeffortlesslygladlyhappily

Antonyms

heavilythickly

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.