levity

Pronunciation: /ˈlɛ.vɪ.ti/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun feeling an inappropriate lack of seriousness
  2. noun a manner lacking seriousness

Etymology

Coined in 1564, from Latin levitās (“lightness, frivolity”), from levis (“lightness (in weight)”). Cognate to lever, and more distantly, light.

In classic literature

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
feeling
Narrower (hyponyms)
gaiety
Opposite (antonyms)
gravity

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