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

• facetiousness
• flightiness
• flippancy
• frivolity
• frivolousness
• frothiness
• light-headedness
• light-mindedness
• lightness
• silliness

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

The film captures the horrors that Miller endured, but offers moments of levity, too—such as an introduction to British Vogue’s wartime editor, Audrey Withers, in Vogue House. —Chiara Wilkinson, Vogue, 1 Dec. 2024

In the end, however, the effort paid off because the film balances that with moments of levity and a happy ending, which was important for Elliot. —Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 28 Nov. 2024

Interspersed with interviews from the band's two surviving members, the documentary features moments of levity and charm in displaying their career's relative infancy. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Comic relief or levity in primarily dramatic, action-adventure, or fantasy movies doesn’t count. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2024

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

Kids Definition

levity

noun

lev·​i·​ty ˈlev-ət-ē 

plural levities

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