English Explanatory Dictionary

light-handed

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Gentle; benign and with minimal intervention.
  2. Sparing; applying only slight pressure or minimal amounts.
  3. Delicate and skilled; nimble and dextrous
  4. Light-hearted; fun and witty or easygoing.
  5. Flippant; lacking seriousness.
  6. Not having a full complement of workers.
  7. Thieving, larcenous.
  8. Fresh and light-tasting, not rich, heavy, or highly seasoned.
  9. Having or requiring little strength.
adv
  1. Carrying very little.
  2. In a light-handed manner.

Pronunciation

lītʹhăn'd(ĭ)d

Word forms

light-handed lighter-handed more light-handed lightest-handed most light-handed lighthanded

Etymology

From Middle English lyghte handyd, from light (adjective) + honded, participle of honden (“to seize, take charge of”), from the noun hond (“hand”). See more at hand.

Derived words

light-handedly light-handedness
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