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levity

noun
lev·​i·​ty | \ ˈle-və-tē How to pronounce levity (audio) \

Definition of levity

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
Synonyms & Antonyms Levity Was Once a Scientific Term More Example Sentences Learn More about levity

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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.

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

 While some employees praised Foxhoven for using Shakur to inject levity and inspiration into a stressful workplace, at least one complained to lawmakers about it last year, according to the emails provided under the open records law. — CBS News, "Iowa official fired after emailing Tupac lyrics to more than 4,000 employees," 17 July 2019 When every episode is packed with death, violence, despair, and philosophical ennui, that levity is more than a little welcome. — Joanna Robinson, HWD, "Is Lee Sizemore Westworld’s Season 2’s Most Important Character?," 21 May 2018 Keys on Main, a new dueling piano bar at the Triangle in Costa Mesa, is offering a mix of music, levity and an interactive audience experience. — Lou Ponsi, latimes.com, "Music comes to life at new dueling piano bar in Costa Mesa," 15 Mar. 2018 But these welcome moments of levity never detract from the fundamental seriousness of the subject matter. — Neil Young, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Overseas': Film Review | Locarno 2019," 22 Aug. 2019 Kemp's ability to add levity to any situation and perpetually cheery personality were remembered fondly on Friday. — Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle, "Astros will miss Tony Kemp on and off the field," 26 July 2019 The first moment of levity: Mueller cracks a smile and appears to chuckle after Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga., rattles off a series of questions about the makeup of Mueller’s special counsel team. — NBC News, "“That went a little fast for me.”," 25 July 2019 Reno brings some much needed levity to Discovery put still has awhile to go to get fully integrated with the crew, and Tilly and Stamets sometimes feel like—too much. — Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, "'Star Trek: Discovery' Is All About Friendship and Death This Week," 8 Feb. 2019 For his part, James cracked a coy smile and added a bit of levity to the conversation when he was asked about the block. — Matt Eppers, USA TODAY, "Pacers: LeBron James' block on Victor Oladipo was 'clearly' goaltending," 26 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'levity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of levity

1564, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for levity

Latin levitat-, levitas, from levis light in weight — more at light

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More Definitions for levity

levity

noun
How to pronounce levity (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of levity

somewhat formal
: a lack of seriousness
: an amusing quality

See the full definition for levity in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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