What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lightly
Example
She touched the flower lightly with her fingertips. [lightly: adverb]
Example
The bird landed lightly on the branch. [lightly: adverb]
Example
The music played lightly in the background. [lightly: adverb]
slightly
Example
The temperature dropped slightly overnight. [slightly: adverb]
Example
The color of the walls was slightly different from what I expected. [slightly: adverb]
Example
I felt slightly nervous before my presentation. [slightly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Slightly is more commonly used than lightly in everyday language. Slightly is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while lightly is less common and more specific to physical sensations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lightly and slightly?
Both lightly and slightly are considered neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
