Word a Day
levity
What does levity mean?
levity (noun): a lightness of manner or speech, frivolity; flippancy; a lack of appropriate seriousness; an inclination to make a joke of serious matters.
Definition: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
How do you use levity in a sentence?
- An attempt to inject a little levity into the proceedings. (Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0)
How do you pronounce levity?
/ˈlɛvɪti/ (IPA, American English). The app reads every word aloud.
Where does levity come from?
Coined in 1564, from Latin levitās (“lightness, frivolity”), from levis (“lightness (in weight)”).
Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Test yourself: do you know “levity”?
Tap an answer to check it. The same questions the app asks.
What does “levity” mean?
the phenomenon of making an unplanned, fortunate discovery through a combination of unexpected circumstances and insightful recognition
Not quite: that's what serendipity means.
a particular pronunciation or custom that is regarded as distinguishing members of a group from non-members, especially when used as a test
Not quite: that's what shibboleth means.
temporary cessation from activity to rest and recover, especially in the form of sleep; rest; an instance of this; a break, a rest; a sleep
Not quite: that's what repose means.
a lightness of manner or speech, frivolity; flippancy; a lack of appropriate seriousness; an inclination to make a joke of serious matters
Right! That's what “levity” means.
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