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levity
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Dictionary definition of levity
A lightness of tone, manner, or expression, especially in a situation where it is inappropriate or in poor taste.
"The film's clever dialogue injected moments of levity into the dramatic storyline."
Detailed meaning of levity
It implies a lack of seriousness or a tendency to treat a serious or important matter with humor or flippancy. It can also refer to being too casual or carefree in a situation that requires more seriousness. The word comes from the Latin word "levitas" which means "lightness."
Levity can be shown in different forms, such as through a casual tone of voice, a light-hearted attitude, or a tendency to make jokes or puns in serious situations. It can be used to diffuse tension, to make a situation less serious, or to make a point in a less formal or more comedic way.
Levity can be seen as a positive trait, as it can be used to diffuse tension, to make a situation less serious, or to make a point in a less formal or more comedic way. However, it can also be seen as a negative trait, as it can be perceived as a lack of respect for the gravity of the situation, or a lack of understanding of the seriousness of the matter. It can also be seen as a lack of maturity, or as a sign that the person is not taking the situation seriously enough.
Example sentences containing levity
1. His jokes brought a welcome touch of levity to the tense meeting.
2. The comedy show provided a much-needed dose of levity after a long day.
3. The book balanced moments of seriousness with moments of levity.
4. Her infectious laughter added a sense of levity to the gathering.
5. The party atmosphere created an air of levity that lifted everyone's spirits.
6. The teacher used humor to introduce levity into the classroom.
History and etymology of levity
The noun 'levity' traces its origins to the Latin word 'levitas,' which means 'lightness' or 'lack of weight.' In Latin, 'levitas' was derived from 'levis,' meaning 'light' or 'not heavy.' Over time, the concept of 'lightness' extended beyond physical weight to encompass a figurative sense of lightness in tone, demeanor, or expression. In English, 'levity' came into use in the late 16th century to describe a quality or state of lightness, especially in speech or behavior. It is often associated with humor, playfulness, or an absence of seriousness, and it can sometimes be employed inappropriately or in poor taste, particularly in situations that require more gravity and solemnity.
Further usage examples of levity
1. His witty remarks always brought a sense of levity to social gatherings.
2. Despite the challenges, she maintained a sense of levity and optimism.
3. The comedian's stand-up routine provided an evening of pure levity.
4. The sitcom's levity made it a popular choice for relaxing after work.
5. The speaker used anecdotes to inject moments of levity into his presentation.
6. The picnic was filled with games and laughter, creating an atmosphere of levity.
7. The company retreat included team-building activities that brought some levity to the group.
8. Her witty retorts added a touch of levity to the otherwise serious discussion.
9. The children's playful antics brought an element of levity to the family reunion.
10. The light-hearted banter between friends created an air of levity.
11. The levity in their relationship made it easy for them to navigate tough times.
12. The novel's comic relief served as a source of levity amidst its intense plot.
13. He used levity to lighten the mood during the tense meeting.
14. She criticized her colleague for using levity during the presentation.
15. The speaker's use of levity in their speech was seen as inappropriate.
16. He used levity to make the situation less stressful.
17. She accused her partner of using levity to avoid discussing a serious matter.
18. The class appreciated the teacher's use of levity to make the lesson more engaging.
19. He used levity to make the audience laugh during his stand-up comedy routine.
20. The use of levity in the situation was seen as disrespectful.
21. He used levity to make the situation more comfortable for everyone.
22. She felt that her coworkers were using levity to avoid taking the situation seriously.
23. The use of levity in the workplace was seen as unprofessional.
24. The priest did not appear to appreciate acts of levity during the homily.
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GRE 12 (Graduate Record Examination), Enjoyment and Delight, Comedy and Silliness
humor,mirth,silliness
amusement,cheerfulness,facetiousness,fickleness,flippancy,frivolity,gaiety,giddiness,jocularity,playfulness,skittishness,triviality,wit
Synonyms for levity
Quiz categories containing levity
frivolity, solemnity, gravity, seriousness
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