English Dictionary |
BLITHE
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Dictionary entry overview: What does blithe mean?
• BLITHE (adjective)
The adjective BLITHE has 2 senses:
1. lacking or showing a lack of due concern
2. carefree and happy and lighthearted
Familiarity information: BLITHE used as an adjective is rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Lacking or showing a lack of due concern
Context example:
spoke with blithe ignorance of the true situation
Similar:
unconcerned (lacking in interest or care or feeling)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Carefree and happy and lighthearted
Synonyms:
blithe; blithesome; light-hearted; lighthearted; lightsome
Context example:
trilling songs with a lightsome heart
Similar:
cheerful (being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits)
Derivation:
blitheness (a feeling of spontaneous good spirits)
Context examples
I also have experienced one or two gentle and honorable ventures upon the sea, quoth Sir Nigel, and I am right blithe to have so fair a task before us.
(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Her anger had a good effect, however, for she hid it under a smiling face, and seemed unusually blithe and brilliant.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
In a similar feeling of delicacy, we were always blithe and light-hearted with the licence clients.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
You look the same blithe boy as ever.
(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Should you be a gentleman of quarterings and coat-armor, lisped Sir Nigel, I shall be very blithe to go further into the matter with you.
(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
It might seem no hardship to some of us, but to a pretty, blithe young girl, it was not only tedious, but very trying, and the thought of Laurie and his friends made it a real martyrdom.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
I would be ill to please if I were not blithe to see the red roses flying at the head of so noble a following!
(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Away they went fleetly and gracefully, for having practiced at home, they were well matched, and the blithe young couple were a pleasant sight to see, as they twirled merrily round and round, feeling more friendly than ever after their small tiff.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
It would be a blithe day for the King of France when he heard that the seas lay between him and us.
(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Yet, with scarce an hour of rest, Sir Nigel was as blithe and bright as ever as they set forth after breakfast upon their way.
(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
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