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
Charles Dickens
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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
Later, Lin will reveal this moment of levity to be something between a memory and a fantasy of better times for the Chao family.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 June 2025
In other news: The reporters in the gallery were treated to some rare levity this morning as the attorneys debated whether Kid Cudi could testify about his dog’s behavioral changes after the 2011 break-in at his home.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 22 May 2025
What helps is having someone like Bella Ramsey, who maintains this levity.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
There are moments, in Clapp’s book, of great sweep and humanity, and even a few of surprising levity.
—Ian Volner, New York Times, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for levity
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Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 June 2025
In other news: The reporters in the gallery were treated to some rare levity this morning as the attorneys debated whether Kid Cudi could testify about his dog’s behavioral changes after the 2011 break-in at his home.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 22 May 2025
What helps is having someone like Bella Ramsey, who maintains this levity.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
There are moments, in Clapp’s book, of great sweep and humanity, and even a few of surprising levity.
—Ian Volner, New York Times, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for levity
Cite this Entry
“Levity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/levity. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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