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

But even in the darkest of moments, Housewives are Housewives, and Angie brings a sprinkle of levity by suggesting that Lisa is in perimenopause. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026

Silver chrome wraps around chunky, 3D crystals, with a mix of sheer brown accent nails for levity. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 11 Sep. 2026

Gradually for us, but with terrifying suddenness for Amy, a third mode arises from the dialectic that Leigh creates between the weight of her job and the levity of her friendship with Rosie. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026

But far from being a joy-killer, she’s guided by inventiveness and levity. — Will Dukes, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 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