smiled lightly vs smiled slightly

Both 'smiled lightly' and 'smiled slightly' are correct and commonly used phrases in English. They convey a similar meaning of a gentle or subtle smile. The choice between the two may depend on personal preference or the specific context in which they are used.

Last updated: April 07, 2024 • 343 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a smile that is gentle or subtle.

"smiled lightly"

This phrase is used to indicate a smile that is not intense or overly expressive, but rather delicate or faint.

Examples:

She smiled lightly at the compliment she received.
He smiled lightly as he reminisced about the past.
The child smiled lightly when she saw the puppy.
The old man smiled lightly at the memory of his youth.
The actress smiled lightly for the cameras.

Show examples from the web [+]

She smiled slightly inhaling his scent.
Then it clicked and she smiled slightly and nodded her understanding.
Jules smiled happily... as he beamed at the others.
Subject showed a positive reaction and smiled.
She opened her eyes and smiled bashfully.
Myate smiled and winked at Nathan.
She smiled, he smiled, and she slapped her.
He smiled at them in greeting, but nobody smiled back.
I didn't hear what, but the man in the suit turned slightly towards him with his flies open and smiled.
Mother Teresa could have reacted with a little holy indignation, instead she smiled brightly, as if they had kissed her affectionately.
KENT Citrus Floor Cleaner enables a thorough cleaning of lightly soiled floors.
For lightly soiled clothes, CO2 alone should be an effective enough cleaner.
Xena smiles and squeezes his frail shoulder lightly.
A smile touches lightly on your lips.
A smile touches your lips lightly.
If he smiled at me tonight the way he smiled at you... I'd do a three-point collapse.
My father smiled at me and I smiled at him.
When the child smiled at you, you smiled back.
You mustn't take hypoglycemia lightly.
None of these curses were made lightly.

Alternatives:

smiled gently
smiled softly
smiled faintly
smiled delicately
smiled subtly

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a smile that is subtle or not very noticeable.

"smiled slightly"

This phrase is used to convey a smile that is small in degree or extent, often indicating a mild or understated expression of happiness or amusement.

Examples:

She smiled slightly when she heard the joke.
He smiled slightly at the unexpected turn of events.
The professor smiled slightly as he listened to the student's answer.
The stranger smiled slightly in acknowledgment.
The artist smiled slightly at the praise for her work.

Show examples from the web [+]

She smiled slightly inhaling his scent.
Then it clicked and she smiled slightly and nodded her understanding.
Kennedy looked up at him and smiled slightly. "Thanks, Giles."
The Condemned Man said nothing and smiled slightly to himself. He turned his face to the Officer and then to the Soldier and then back again, without ignoring the Traveler.
she smiled slightly and asked her groom, are the flowers prettier or am I prettier?

Alternatives:

smiled subtly
smiled faintly
smiled mildly
smiled modestly
smiled quietly

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smiled lightly vs smiled slightly

"smiled lightly"

"smiled slightly"

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