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

Despite the levity surrounding the video, the creator’s follow-up clarified the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing that the fire resulted in a total loss of the home. —Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026

But on Saturday, the Bruins’ levity still shined through. —Haley Sawyer, Daily News, 28 Mar. 2026

The levity ballasts his more weighty lines about existing while Black. —Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026

Paradiso 17 isn’t funny but there are moments of levity and of beauty. —Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 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