light·ly 
/ˈlaɪtli/ adverb
/ˈlaɪtli/ adverb [more lightly; most lightly] : in a light manner: such as a : with little weight or force
▪ The rain fell lightly [=softly] on the roof. ▪ She touched his hand lightly. [=gently] ▪ The recipe says that you should beat the eggs lightly. [=gently]
b : without care or concern : in a way that is not serious
▪ He talks lightly about the problems he's been having at work. ▪ This is a problem that should not be taken lightly. [=this is a problem that should be treated seriously]
c : in a quick and graceful way
▪ She moved lightly across the room.
d : in a small amount : to a small degree or extent
▪ lightly [=slightly] salted/roasted peanuts ▪ lightly buttered toast ▪ These vegetables can be eaten either raw or lightly cooked. ▪ a lightly populated area ▪ Our troops were armed too lightly to take on the heavily armed invaders.
e : in a way that is not as harsh or severe as it could or should be
▪ Considering the harm he did, he's gotten off lightly with only a warning. ▪ The judge let her off lightly with a short sentence.
▪ The rain fell lightly [=softly] on the roof. ▪ She touched his hand lightly. [=gently] ▪ The recipe says that you should beat the eggs lightly. [=gently]
b : without care or concern : in a way that is not serious
▪ He talks lightly about the problems he's been having at work. ▪ This is a problem that should not be taken lightly. [=this is a problem that should be treated seriously]
c : in a quick and graceful way
▪ She moved lightly across the room.
d : in a small amount : to a small degree or extent
▪ lightly [=slightly] salted/roasted peanuts ▪ lightly buttered toast ▪ These vegetables can be eaten either raw or lightly cooked. ▪ a lightly populated area ▪ Our troops were armed too lightly to take on the heavily armed invaders.
e : in a way that is not as harsh or severe as it could or should be
▪ Considering the harm he did, he's gotten off lightly with only a warning. ▪ The judge let her off lightly with a short sentence.
