adj
blithe
blyth
Blithe (adj) means showing a careless or casual disregard for something serious. Example: “His blithe dismissal of the risks worried the whole team.”
adj
1
Showing a careless or casual disregard for something serious.
"His blithe dismissal of the risks worried the whole team."
"She made a blithe comment about the cost, as if money were no object."
2
Cheerful and carefree; happy in a light, untroubled way.
"The children played with a blithe disregard for the time."
How to use blithe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither cheerfully carefree, or — more commonly today — carelessly unconcerned about something that deserves more attention.
Common mistake
In modern use, "blithe" is usually slightly critical (careless, unconcerned) rather than simply "happy" — check the context before assuming a purely positive meaning.
Common pairings
blithe disregard
blithe indifference
blithe assumption
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Word forms
- Comparative
- blither
- Superlative
- blithest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ dismissal of the risks worried the whole team.
Etymology
From Old English blīþe meaning "happy, gentle," from a Proto-Germanic root connected to brightness and pleasantness.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for blithe
See all rhymes for blithe →Frequently asked questions
What does “blithe” mean?
The word “blithe” means showing a careless or casual disregard for something serious. In plain terms, either cheerfully carefree, or — more commonly today — carelessly unconcerned about something that deserves more attention.
How do you pronounce “blithe”?
“Blithe” is pronounced blyth (/blaɪð/ in IPA).
How do you use “blithe” in a sentence?
Here is “blithe” used in a sentence: “His blithe dismissal of the risks worried the whole team.”
What part of speech is “blithe”?
“Blithe” is an adjective.
Where does the word “blithe” come from?
The word “blithe” comes from Old English. From Old English blīþe meaning "happy, gentle," from a Proto-Germanic root connected to brightness and pleasantness.
How many meanings does “blithe” have?
“Blithe” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: showing a careless or casual disregard for something serious.
