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Definitions for: Levity
[n] lightness of manner
[n] feeling an inappropriate lack of seriousness
Webster (1913) Definition: 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.
Antonyms: gravity, solemnity
See Also: feeling, flippancy, frivolity, frivolousness, gaiety, humorousness, jocoseness, jocosity, light-mindedness, merriness, playfulness
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