blithe
UK: blaɪð | US: blaɪð
adj. cheerful and carefree
adj. indifferent or heedless (often in "blithe disregard")
The word "blithe" traces back to Old English blīþe, meaning "joyful, kind, or pleasant." It shares roots with Old Norse blíðr (gentle, friendly) and Gothic bleiths (merciful). Over time, its meaning narrowed to emphasize lightheartedness or carelessness, sometimes shading into indifference (e.g., "blithe ignorance"). The word’s simplicity reflects its ancient Germanic origins, retaining its core sense of emotional lightness.
She greeted us with a blithe smile, unaware of the chaos ahead.
His blithe attitude toward deadlines frustrated his colleagues.
The children ran through the fields in blithe abandon.
The report showed a blithe disregard for environmental concerns.
Despite the storm warnings, they set sail with blithe confidence.