levity

noun

lev·i·ty | \ ˈle-və-tē

Definition of levity

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

Synonyms & Antonyms Levity Was Once a Scientific Term More Example Sentences Learn More about levity

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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

Like a body loosening from slumber, or the dead, rising with the sun come morning like a light unlidded, like a levity unleashed. — Sadia Hassan, Longreads, "Silence is a Lonely Country: A Prayer in Twelve Parts," 13 July 2018 With them, you're invited to make the best of it, to embrace what small moments of happiness and levity there are. — Julie Muncy, WIRED, "Extreme Meatpunks Forever," 11 July 2018 The kinds of war stories that bring a little levity and light to the darkness are inspiring. — Katie Walsh, latimes.com, "'Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero,' a true story about a WWI dog soldier gets animated," 12 Apr. 2018 Adding moments of levity was comedian Seth Meyers, joined by wife (and host for the evening) Alexi Ashe Meyers. — Vogue, "Headstrong Celebrates Its 6th Annual Gala," 19 Oct. 2018 It was said in a moment of levity at very tense point in debate. — Daniela Altimari, courant.com, "Boughton Says 'Fake News' Charge Against The Courant Was Made 'In Jest'," 13 July 2018 Audiences will also find some levity with music in the winter months. — Molly Glentzer, Houston Chronicle, "SPA bringing Margaret Atwood, Radiolab's Jad Abumrad to Houston," 21 June 2018 To continue reading this story, TRY IT NOW Later, Van Exel would claim the plea for early vacation was a joke meant to inject levity into a hopeless situation. — Jeff Mcdonald, San Antonio Express-News, "Still facing long odds, Spurs aim to bring pride with them on the road," 23 Apr. 2018 In time, Tompkins, an amateur impressionist, became known for his own ability to inject levity into the clubhouse. — Dennis Lin, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres' longtime video coordinator embarking on new career," 24 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'levity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.