light-heartedly
/ˌlaɪt ˈhɑːtɪdli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌlaɪt ˈhɑːrtɪdli/ (ame, ipa)
light-heartedly — adverb
1. in a cheerful, relaxed way that shows you do not let worry or seriousness contro
in a cheerful, relaxed way that shows you do not let worry or seriousness control how you behave — for example, laughing about a mistake you made instead of getting upset.
Elena light-heartedly teased her younger brother about his new haircut on the way to school.
tease + [person] about [topic]
Diego light-heartedly dismissed the error, saying it was nothing to worry about.
dismiss + [concern] as unimportant
Minh light-heartedly joked about his burnt dinner while his guests served themselves dessert.
The article light-heartedly described their road trip, poking fun at the terrible weather they met.
Chitra light-heartedly waved off the complaint and offered the customer a free coffee instead.
- cheerfully
focuses on the bright mood, but lacks the 'not too serious' feeling of light-heartedly
- jovially
suggests loud, good-natured fun, often in group settings; slightly more informal
- playfully
stresses the intention to amuse or tease rather than be serious