Hardly and Lightly

Hardly

Hardly adverb - In a manner so as to cause loss or suffering.
Usage example: the new judge vowed to deal hardly with repeat offenders

Lightly is an antonym for hardly.

Nearby Word: hard

Lightly

Lightly adverb - Without difficulty.
Usage example: you're not going to get off lightly if they catch you!

Hardly is an antonym for lightly.

Both words in one sentence

  • Notes are color-coded based on how lightly or hardly you have to jam on the button, which also affects the volume of the music.
Cite this Source
Lightly and Hardly. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/hardly/lightly
Hardly & Lightly. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/hardly/lightly>.
Lightly or Hardly. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/hardly/lightly.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "hardly" and "lightly" have occurred on timeline