2 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
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.
From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]:
levity
n 1: feeling an inappropriate lack of seriousness [ant: {gravity}]
2: lightness of manner
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