Blithe

/blaɪð/ adjective

Definition

Showing a casual and cheerful indifference; carefree and lighthearted, often to the point of being thoughtless or unconcerned about serious matters.

Etymology

From Old English 'blīthe' meaning 'joyous' or 'cheerful,' related to Old Norse 'blīðr' (gentle, mild). The word has maintained its core meaning of cheerfulness but developed a secondary sense of careless indifference.

Kelly Says

Remember the phrase 'ignorance is bliss'—someone who is blithe is blissfully unaware of problems, like a person whistling happily while walking through a thunderstorm. Their cheerfulness comes from not paying attention to serious issues!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.