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levity
5 dictionary results for: levity
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
lev·i·ty       [lev-i-tee] Pronunciation Key
–noun, plural -ties.
1.lightness of mind, character, or behavior; lack of appropriate seriousness or earnestness.
2.an instance or exhibition of this.
3.fickleness.
4.lightness in weight.

[Origin: 1555–65; < L levitās lightness, frivolity, equiv. to levi(s) light + -tās -ty2]

1, 2. frivolity, flippancy, triviality, giddiness.
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
lev·i·ty       (lěv'ĭ-tē)  Pronunciation Key 
n.   pl. lev·i·ties
  1. Lightness of manner or speech, especially when inappropriate; frivolity.
  2. Inconstancy; changeableness.
  3. The state or quality of being light; buoyancy.


[Latin levitās, from levis, light; see legwh- in Indo-European roots.]

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
levity 
1564, from L. levitas (gen. levitatis) "lightness, frivolity," from levis "light" in weight (see lever).

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
levity

noun
1. feeling an inappropriate lack of seriousness [ant: gravity
2. a manner lacking seriousness 

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Levity

Lev"i*ty\ (l[e^]v"[i^]*t[y^]), n. [L. levitas, fr. levis light in weight; akin to levare to raise. See Lever, n.]

1. The quality of weighing less than something else of equal bulk; relative lightness, especially as shown by rising through, or floating upon, a contiguous substance; buoyancy; -- opposed to gravity.

He gave the form of levity to that which ascended; to that which descended, the form of gravity. --Sir. W. Raleigh.

This bubble by reason of its comparative levity to the fluidity that incloses it, would ascend to the top. --Bentley.

2. Lack of gravity and earnestness in deportment or character; trifling gayety; frivolity; sportiveness; vanity. " A spirit of levity and libertinism." --Atterbury.

He never employed his omnipotence out of levity. --Calamy.

3. Lack of steadiness or constancy; disposition to change; fickleness; volatility.

The levity that is fatigued and disgusted with everything of which it is in possession. --Burke.

Syn: Inconstancy; thoughtlessness; unsteadiness; inconsideration; volatility; flightiness.

Usage: Levity, Volatility, Flightiness. All these words relate to outward conduct. Levity springs from a lightness of mind which produces a disregard of the proprieties of time and place.Volatility is a degree of levity which causes the thoughts to fly from one object to another, without resting on any for a moment. Flightiness is volatility carried to an extreme which often betrays its subject into gross impropriety or weakness. Levity of deportment, of conduct, of remark; volatility of temper, of spirits; flightiness of mind or disposition.

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