levity

noun

lev·​i·​ty ˈle-və-tē 

1

: excessive or unseemly frivolity

She would tolerate no levity in the classroom.

2

: lack of steadiness : changeableness

… the levity … of the brisk fire.

—Charles 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.

Synonyms of levity

• lightness
• cheerfulness
• glee
• silliness
• frivolity
• flippancy

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

Mix in a few marble accent nails to add levity to the dark polish and stand out from a sea of solid manicures. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 21 Feb. 2026

As the snowcrete melts and the cherry blossoms start to peek out from Tidal Basin branches, dare to allow yourself a moment of communal levity. —Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 19 Feb. 2026

His levity helps me out quite a bit. —Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026

Burnt out from his demanding career in advertising, Dunwoody resident Billy Kramer brought some levity to his weekly travels by embarking on a quest to find the country’s best burger. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin levitat-, levitas, from levis light in weight — more at light entry 4

First Known Use

1564, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for levity

• brevity
• longevity

Kids Definition

levity

noun

lev·​i·​ty ˈlev-ət-ē 

plural levities

: a lack of seriousness often at an improper time : frivolity