YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

levity

Noun

IPA /ˈlevəti/

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UNDERSTAND THE WORD

Meaning in plain English

Humour or a lack of seriousness during a serious situation.

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Pronunciation

levity/ˈlevəti/

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A tense discussion
Someone shares a funny story
A brief lighter moment

A moment of levity brings humour into a serious situation.

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Examples in context

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A funny story brought a moment of levity to a tense family discussion.
The chair allowed a little levity before returning to the difficult agenda.

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Quick word quiz

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A funny story brought a moment of ________ to a tense family discussion.

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levity — Humour or a lack of seriousness during a serious situation.

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Humour or a lack of seriousness during a serious situation.

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Word origin

From Latin levitas, meaning lightness, from levis, light.

Did you know?

A moment of levity can be welcome, although levity can also be criticised as inappropriate.

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