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

Showing these moments of levity was my way of honoring that. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 1 Mar. 2025

Severance Season 2: All About the Sci-Fi Thriller Starring Adam Scott and Patricia Arquette Despite the show's darker themes and subject matters, Walken can find moments of levity between takes — and Turturro, 67, is a big help in that. —Dory Jackson, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025

But beneath all this color and artifice and levity runs something deeper and more personal. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025

The anticipation of the future Hall of Fame defenseman’s first game this season was such that Jim Hiller brought some levity to end a downbeat media session after a one-sided loss to Pittsburgh on Monday. —Eric Stephens, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

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