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

Some additional scenes are short, but add levity and color to the movies, like Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee using elven rope, gifted by Galadriel, to rappel down a mountain in Two Towers. —Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2026

Yet despite her weighty subject, the filmmaker approached her craft with levity. —Ben Croll, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026

Icy powder blue adds levity to dark, rusty browns that border on burgundy, while sky blue provides a cool-toned contrast to the warmth of chocolate brown polishes. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 16 Jan. 2026

The slim legs help give this piece some visual levity, while the black wood frame still creates a statement that won’t fade into your dining room walls. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 16 Jan. 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