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
From the M-W Editors
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 of levity from the Web
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With some tense moments & a few bouts of levity, Round 3 concludes.
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Back by popular demand was the After Party, which amped up the happening to a new level of levity with deejay, dancing and desserts.
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The book has a kind of gonzo levity and a group of characters who either by virtue of hubris or the simple insanity of war seem to be larger than life.
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WIRED Could’ve provided a bit of levity at a point in the film when it was much needed.
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.
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.
Origin and Etymology of levity
Latin levitat-, levitas, from levis light in weight — more at light
First Known Use: 1564
LEVITY Defined for English Language Learners
levity
playDefinition of levity for English Language Learners
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: a lack of seriousness
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: an amusing quality
Learn More about levity
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See words that rhyme with levity Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for levity Spanish Central: Translation of levity Nglish: Translation of levity for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of levity for Arabic speakers
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