levity

noun

lev·​i·​ty ˈle-və-tē How to pronounce levity (audio)
1
: excessive or unseemly frivolity
She would tolerate no levity in the classroom.
2
: lack of steadiness : changeableness
the levity … of the brisk fireCharles Dickens

Did you know?

Levity Was Once a Scientific Term

Levity originally was thought to be a physical force exactly like gravity but pulling in the opposite direction, like the helium in a balloon. As recently as the 19th century, scientists were still arguing about its existence. Today levity refers only to lightness in manner. To stern believers of some religious faiths, levity is often regarded as almost sinful. But the word, like its synonym frivolity, now has an old-fashioned ring to it and is usually used only half-seriously.

Examples of levity in a Sentence

They managed to find some levity in the situation. the teachers disapprove of any displays of levity during school assemblies
Recent Examples on the Web Strong also addressed the public’s image of him as a super-serious Method actor who loves self-suffering and does not have an ounce of levity in his body. Zack Sharf, Variety, 12 Mar. 2024 Joy Randolph who managed to bring some levity and — appropriately — joy to a heartbreaking story. Stephanie Sengwe, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024 Pitt's performance is dramatic but is complemented by a disarming levity. Derek Scancarelli, EW.com, 18 Dec. 2023 But they were also marked by scenes of humanity and love and — in certain moments — unexpected levity. Sarah Dadouch, Washington Post, 15 Dec. 2023 The rooms and restaurants are spread out across three buildings, which date back to the mid-to-late 1800s; the interior decor, however, manages to highlight that history and simultaneously bring a bit of levity and freshness to the property. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 Her strength is her ability to maintain a sense of levity amid the scrutiny. Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 14 Feb. 2024 Titling their debut album the record acknowledges the years of pining for and inching toward the finished product while introducing a faint air of levity to a collection of songs about identifying lifelines in troubling times. Vulture, 4 Feb. 2024 Yet the directors handle their heavy topic without despair, weaving in surprising moments of levity, uplifting their interviewees and embracing the turbulent emotional arc of the investigation. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'levity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin levitat-, levitas, from levis light in weight — more at light

First Known Use

1564, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of levity was in 1564

Dictionary Entries Near levity

Cite this Entry

“Levity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/levity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

levity

noun
lev·​i·​ty ˈlev-ət-ē How to pronounce levity (audio)
plural levities
: a lack of seriousness often at an improper time : frivolity

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