levity — humor or frivolity, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor or in a manner lacking due respect
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: humor or frivolity, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor or in a manner lacking due respect
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlevəti/
Example Sentences
- His levity at the funeral was deeply inappropriate and offended many mourners.
- The teacher used moments of levity to make the difficult math lesson more enjoyable.
- After three hours of serious discussion, someone finally injected some levity by telling a joke about spreadsheets.
levity
NOUN[/ˈlevəti/]
humor or frivolity, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor or in a manner lacking due respect

A bit of levity from the clown lightened the tense hospital waiting room.

Levity defeats gravity with brevity!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'levitas' meaning lightness or frivolity, derived from 'levis' meaning light in weight or character. The word entered English through Old French and Middle English.
Breakdown
lev- (light, from Latin levis) + -ity (noun suffix denoting quality or state) = levity
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His levity at the funeral was deeply inappropriate and offended many mourners.”
“The teacher used moments of levity to make the difficult math lesson more enjoyable.”
“After three hours of serious discussion, someone finally injected some levity by telling a joke about spreadsheets.”
“The comedian's levity was exactly what the stressed audience needed after a long day.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.