What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nimbly
Example
The gymnast moved nimbly across the balance beam. [nimbly: adverb]
Example
The cat leaped nimbly onto the windowsill. [nimbly: adverb]
lightly
Example
She touched his arm lightly to get his attention. [lightly: adverb]
Example
The cake was so light and fluffy, it practically melted in my mouth. [light: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lightly is more commonly used than nimbly in everyday language. Lightly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while nimbly is less common and typically used in specific contexts related to physical movement or mental sharpness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nimbly and lightly?
Both nimbly and lightly are relatively formal words that may not be used in casual conversation. However, lightly is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while nimbly is more specialized and typically used in specific fields or situations.
