blithe

adjective

ˈblīth  ˈblīt͟h 

blither; blithest

1

: lacking due thought or consideration : casual, heedless

blithe unconcern

a blithe disregard for the rights of others

2

: of a happy lighthearted character or disposition

a blithe spirit

blithe enjoyment

blithely adverb

Synonyms

• blithesome
• bright
• buoyant
• canty [British dialect]
• cheerful
• cheery
• chipper
• eupeptic
• gay
• gladsome
• lightsome
• sunny
• upbeat
• winsome

Choose the Right Synonym for blithe

merry, blithe, jocund, jovial, jolly mean showing high spirits or lightheartedness.

merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity.

a merry group of revelers

blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety.

arrived late in his usual blithe way

jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits.

singing, dancing, and jocund feasting

jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship.

dinner put them in a jovial mood

jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting.

our jolly host enlivened the party

Examples of blithe in a Sentence

He showed blithe disregard for the rights of others.

He was blithe about the risks to his health.

Recent Examples on the Web

The news broke on April 8, and everyone from architecture enthusiasts to Frodo himself absolutely lit the couple up across X and TikTok for being blithe wealth personified. —Kate Lindsay, Vulture, 1 May 2024

These lines are both nervous tics and statements of blithe confidence. —Phillip MacIak, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024

Yes, the sun might be glancing off the snowdrifts, and the birds may be chirping away with blithe exuberance. —Celine Nguyen, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2024

Friends knew him for a blithe personality that was both thoughtful and bubbly. —Corina Knoll, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English blīthe; akin to Old High German blīdi joyous

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

blithe

adjective

ˈblīth  ˈblīt͟h 

1

: of a happy carefree nature

2

: heedless

blithe unconcern

blithely adverb