adjective
blithe
BLYTHE/blaɪð/
Cheerfully unconcerned about worries or consequences.
The stroller's easy smile shows a blithe attitude toward the rain.
Etymology
Old English bliþe could describe kindness as well as cheerfulness. The word's emphasis shifted from showing friendly feelings toward others to expressing one's own happy state of mind.
In context
Youths and maidens all blithe and full of glee, carried the luscious fruit in plaited baskets
More examples
- He gave a blithe wave and walked into the rain.
- The blithe reply suggested that nothing worried her.
- His blithe disregard for the rules annoyed the staff.
Forms
blithe · blither · blithest
blithely adverb — with cheerful unconcern
Similar words
- carefree
- Carefree is free of worry; blithe can imply insufficient concern about consequences.
- cheerful
- Cheerful is happy; blithe adds lighthearted unconcern.