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

And having a little bit of levity, having a little bit of denial, a little avoidance [is useful]. —John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025

That job turned out to be a breakout role for Randolph, who together with Ali Larter as her mom Angela, have provided a welcome amount of levity to an otherwise tense drama about the dangers of pumping oil in West Texas. —Lynette Rice, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2025

Such stories offered a bit of levity in a whirlwind 12-months that saw the end of a divisive presidential election, several ongoing wars and its share of graphic crimes and natural disasters. —Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024

Please take the following with the levity with which it was penned. —M. John Fayhee, Outside Online, 28 Nov. 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