Levity

medium

LEV-ih-tee

noun

Definition

lightness of manner or treatment, especially when inappropriate

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.

Synonyms

frivolityflippancylightheartednessjocularity

Antonyms

gravityseriousnesssolemnitysobriety

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

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