leggermente

Leggermente is an Italian adverb meaning slightly or lightly, indicating a small degree or a gentle manner of an action, attribute, or description. It is formed from the adjective leggero (light) with the adverbial suffix -mente, matching other Italian adverbs such as rapidamente and chiaramente.

Usage and nuance

Leggermente is used to soften statements or describe manner, often in formal or written Italian. Examples include: Il brodo è leggermente salato (The broth is slightly salty) or Muoversi leggermente per non disturbare gli altri (Move lightly so as not to disturb others). In everyday speech, speakers may opt for simpler expressions such as un po’ or poco, but leggermente conveys a more precise or restrained degree.

Contexts

In music and performance directions, leggermente can appear to suggest a delicate or subdued execution, analogous to “lightly” or “delicately” in English. While common in musical directions, it is less frequent in casual modern phrasing and may be replaced by other terms depending on the register.

Related terms

Leggermente is closely related to the root leggero, which means light or not heavy. Both reflect a conceptual emphasis on gentleness or slightness. While synonyms exist (for instance, un po’ in colloquial use), leggermente carries a more formal or precise tone in many contexts.

See also

Leggero, Leggerezza, Adverbs in Italian.