What does levity mean?
Levity is the quality of lightness, humour, or playfulness in speech and conduct. It commonly describes an attitude that relieves tension or prevents a situation from becoming excessively solemn, as in bringing levity to a formal meeting or responding to bad news with levity. The word can also carry a critical implication: treating tragedy, injury, religion, or another serious matter with levity may suggest that its importance is being underestimated. Levity is not simply another word for humour; it often emphasizes the manner in which humour is expressed and the absence of seriousness. Its refined tone makes it especially useful in discussion of public speaking, literature, performance, and social behaviour. Although usually uncountable in modern use, levity can also be counted in the plural as levities when referring to separate instances of playful or frivolous conduct.
nounThe quality or manner of treating a subject with lightness, humour, or a lack of seriousness, especially when a more solemn response would be expected.
- Lightness or humour in speech or conduct, especially about a serious subject.
"He brought a touch of levity to an otherwise tense meeting."
"The speaker's levity helped ease the tension among the audience."
"Her levity was widely criticised because she appeared to trivialize the tragedy."
The plural is standard but less common than the uncountable use.
"The evening's levities provided a welcome diversion from the formal proceedings."
Levity is seriousness with the weight taken out: a graceful way to lighten a room without dismissing what matters.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does levity come from?
Levity comes from Latin levitas, meaning lightness, which was derived from levis, meaning light or not heavy. The word entered Middle English in the sense of physical lightness before developing its familiar meaning of lightness of manner or lack of seriousness. Its association with levitation and related words reflects the same Latin root levis.
How levity is actually used
The word is common in formal and literary contexts as well as ordinary speech. It is usually approving when it describes wit or an ability to ease tension, but it can be disapproving when it suggests treating a serious, sensitive, or morally troubling subject carelessly.
Easily confused with levity
Levy means to impose or collect a tax, fee, or military obligation, whereas levity means lightness of manner or a lack of seriousness.