noun
levity
LEH-vih-tee
Levity (noun) means a lighthearted, joking attitude, especially when a situation calls for seriousness. Example: “The judge warned the lawyer against levity in the courtroom.”
noun
1
A lighthearted, joking attitude, especially when a situation calls for seriousness.
"The judge warned the lawyer against levity in the courtroom."
"A bit of levity helped ease the tension in the meeting."
How to use levity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTreating something as a joke, or bringing lightness and humor into a serious moment.
Common mistake
Not the same as "levy" (a tax) or "levitate" (to float) — all three share the same "levis/light" root but mean very different things.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a moment of levity
inappropriate levity
add some levity
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Word forms
- Plural
- levities
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The judge warned the lawyer against _____ in the courtroom.
Etymology
Coined in the 1500s from Latin levitas ("lightness"), from levis ("light in weight") — related to "lever" and, more distantly, "light."
Class of 1500
levity joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for levity
See all rhymes for levity →Frequently asked questions
What does “levity” mean?
The word “levity” means a lighthearted, joking attitude, especially when a situation calls for seriousness. In plain terms, treating something as a joke, or bringing lightness and humor into a serious moment.
How do you pronounce “levity”?
“Levity” is pronounced LEH-vih-tee (/ˈlɛ.vɪ.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “levity” in a sentence?
Here is “levity” used in a sentence: “The judge warned the lawyer against levity in the courtroom.”
What is the opposite of “levity”?
The opposite of “levity” — its antonyms — is gravity.
What part of speech is “levity”?
“Levity” is a noun.
Where does the word “levity” come from?
The word “levity” dates back to around 1500 and comes from Latin. Coined in the 1500s from Latin levitas ("lightness"), from levis ("light in weight") — related to "lever" and, more distantly, "light.".
