levity

[ lev-i-tee ]

noun

, plural lev·i·ties.

1. lightness of mind, character, or behavior; lack of appropriate seriousness or earnestness.

   Synonyms: giddiness, flippancy, triviality, frivolity

2. an instance or exhibition of this.

   Synonyms: giddiness, flippancy, triviality, frivolity

3. fickleness.
4. lightness in weight.

levity

/ ˈlɛvɪtɪ /

noun

1. inappropriate lack of seriousness
2. fickleness or instability
3. archaic.
   lightness in weight

Word History and Origins

Origin of levity¹

1555–65; < Latin levitās lightness, frivolity, equivalent to levi ( s ) light + -tās -ty ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of levity¹

C16: from Latin levitās lightness, from levis light

Example Sentences

Griffin knows how to make a meal out of her trauma, expertly peppering a whole lot of levity into the darkness.

From Salon

With her charisma, humor, and entertaining confessionals, Nguyen brought a levity to the show that not all cheftestants manage to achieve.

From Salon

I think you actually need moments of levity when you’re tackling quite dark and heavy themes, to allow the audience to take a breath when you are watching something that’s heavy.

From Los Angeles Times

The song flutters with the levity of a bolero.

From Los Angeles Times

Balancing the information download and the levity are artful animations and reading of the Framers’ words debating the intricacies of devising how states’ electors would be designated.

From Salon

Related Words

• frivolity
• giddiness
• hilarity
• mirth
• repartee