levity

USAGE SUMMARY

'levity' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is typically used as a noun to refer to the quality of being lighthearted, humorous, or cheerful. For example, "The executive tried to inject some levity into the meeting with a few jokes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then, just when you get the impression that Baltes is giving us permission to laugh out loud, she undermines any levity with alarming precariousness and nightmarish shadow: one recent show in Cologne was titled There's A Light And A Whistle For Attracting Attention.

The Guardian - Arts

There haven't been too many moments of levity over the past four months for those intimately involved in the story of Edward Snowden.

The Guardian

Good Night, and Good Luck does a fantastically clever job of intercutting real footage of McCarthy and other figures into its drama, mostly to serious effect – though there is a moment of levity when Murrow must interview Liberace.

The Guardian - Film

Peruse the tables in a British bookstore, and it is clear that the seasonal sentiment is not levity, which usually does well in December, but griping.The complaint genre is stylistically diverse.

The Economist

THERE really isn't much I can say to improve this video of a Korean English-teacher teaching his students to swear in English.The one comment I will add in the spirit of levity, and following up from yesterday, is that there's a nice little piece of evidence for Whorfian linguistic relativism here.

The Economist

Nothing needs to be measured, and such simplicity brings levity and freedom.A walk also liberates ideas Mr Gros's, and those of others he admires.

The Economist

In Missouri Mr Hodgman is a misfit, but writes with humour and self-mockery that bring levity to the painful, central subject of "Bettyville": caring for a parent on the threshold of death.Betty's frail exterior masks her fieriness.

The Economist

The hero of the earlier novel was also a brooder, but levity was provided by his (and seemingly Mr O'Neill's) love of cricket and its power to create a community.

The Economist

If you listen to Bill Clinton, you are impressed by his way with words, his ability to spin out grand ideas with charm and levity.

The Economist

There is no levity about his policy lectures; there is a tank-like advance towards the logical conclusion.

The Economist

With grim levity, the shopkeeper could bat away the idle rumours.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Balance "levity" with appropriate gravity. While humor can be helpful, avoid excessive frivolity that undermines the seriousness of the topic at hand.

Common error

Avoid injecting "levity" into contexts that demand solemnity or respect, such as funerals, serious accidents or discussions of severe trauma. Using humor inappropriately can offend or diminish the significance of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "levity" is as a noun. It typically refers to the quality of being lighthearted, humorous, or lacking seriousness. As Ludwig AI confirms, "levity" is a correct and usable word in written English. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in describing moments of humor or cheerfulness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "levity" is a noun that describes a light, humorous, or unserious manner. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in written English. While "levity" can be a valuable tool for easing tension or adding a cheerful note, it is important to consider the context to ensure its appropriateness. The examples in Ludwig highlight its use in professional and news contexts, demonstrating its versatility and relevance in various scenarios. Consider alternatives like "lightheartedness" or "humor" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lightheartedness

Focuses on the cheerful and carefree aspect, similar to "levity" but emphasizes the emotional tone.

frivolity

Implies a lack of seriousness to the point of being somewhat foolish or irresponsible, closer to the negative connotation of "levity".

humor

A general term for being funny or amusing, broader than "levity" which implies a specific light manner.

cheerfulness

Emphasizes a positive and joyful disposition, similar to the lighter side of "levity".

gaiety

Suggests a festive and joyful atmosphere, a more exuberant form of "levity".

jocularity

Characterized by joking and playful behavior; similar to "levity" but emphasizes verbal humor.

lightness

A more general term indicating an absence of heaviness or seriousness, encompassing both physical and emotional contexts.

blitheness

Highlights a carefree and cheerful nature, similar to "levity" but with a stronger sense of nonchalance.

vivacity

Implies liveliness and enthusiasm, conveying a more energetic and spirited form of "levity".

wittiness

Signifies intelligence and cleverness, often expressed through humor and is more directly related to intelligence and verbal skill than "levity".

FAQs

How can I use "levity" in a sentence?

You can use "levity" to describe moments of humor or lightheartedness in a serious situation. For instance, "The comedian's jokes added some "levity" to the otherwise somber event."

What are some synonyms for "levity"?

Alternatives for "levity" include "lightheartedness", "frivolity", and "humor", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it always appropriate to introduce "levity" into a situation?

No, introducing "levity" is not always appropriate. It depends heavily on the context; serious or somber situations may not be suitable for humor.

What's the difference between "levity" and "frivolity"?

"Levity" generally refers to a light and humorous approach, while "frivolity" suggests a lack of seriousness that can border on being foolish or irresponsible.