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
Charles Dickens
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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
For Tecca, those moments of levity helped create the broader world of the album.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 June 2025
This bit of levity presents a contrast to the haunting scene and gives us another opportunity to appreciate Onimusha's expressive facial animations.
—Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 11 June 2025
While the stakes are high, there's still levity to the show, specifically between Ackles' character and Camacho's Amber Oliveras.
—Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 28 May 2025
No such levity is expected now as the Panthers -- finally beaten, finally humbled -- head back to Raleigh.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for levity
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Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 June 2025
This bit of levity presents a contrast to the haunting scene and gives us another opportunity to appreciate Onimusha's expressive facial animations.
—Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 11 June 2025
While the stakes are high, there's still levity to the show, specifically between Ackles' character and Camacho's Amber Oliveras.
—Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 28 May 2025
No such levity is expected now as the Panthers -- finally beaten, finally humbled -- head back to Raleigh.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for levity
Cite this Entry
“Levity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/levity. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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