Levity
mediumNeutral toneLEV-ih-tee
noun
Definition
lightness of manner or treatment, especially when inappropriate
Memory hook
LEVITY = 'levitate': a clown floating up, laughing, refusing to take anything seriously. Light as a feather, light in mood.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The judge frowned at the levity in the courtroom during such grave testimony.”
“A moment of levity broke the tension, and the whole team laughed for the first time in days.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The judge frowned at the ______ in the courtroom during such grave testimony.”
Show answer
levity
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Levity is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "frivolity" or "flippancy" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "gravity".
Related GRE Words
languid
lacking energy or vigor; slow and relaxed
nonchalant
casually calm and unconcerned; showing a relaxed indifference
petulant
childishly sulky or bad-tempered; peevish
querulous
habitually complaining in a peevish, whining manner
solicitous
showing attentive care or concern for someone
ambivalent
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something
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