Levity \Lev"i*ty\ (l[e^]v"[i^]*t[y^]), n. [L. levitas, fr. levis
light in weight; akin to levare to raise. See {Lever}, n.]
1. The quality of weighing less than something else of equal
bulk; relative lightness, especially as shown by rising
through, or floating upon, a contiguous substance;
buoyancy; -- opposed to {gravity}.
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He gave the form of levity to that which ascended;
to that which descended, the form of gravity. --Sir.
W. Raleigh.
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This bubble by reason of its comparative levity to
the fluidity that incloses it, would ascend to the
top. --Bentley.
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2. Lack of gravity and earnestness in deportment or
character; trifling gayety; frivolity; sportiveness;
vanity. " A spirit of levity and libertinism."
--Atterbury.
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He never employed his omnipotence out of levity.
--Calamy.
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3. Lack of steadiness or constancy; disposition to change;
fickleness; volatility.
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The levity that is fatigued and disgusted with
everything of which it is in possession. --Burke.
Syn: Inconstancy; thoughtlessness; unsteadiness;
inconsideration; volatility; flightiness.
Usage: {Levity}, {Volatility}, {Flightiness}. All these words
relate to outward conduct. Levity springs from a
lightness of mind which produces a disregard of the
proprieties of time and place.Volatility is a degree
of levity which causes the thoughts to fly from one
object to another, without resting on any for a
moment. Flightiness is volatility carried to an
extreme which often betrays its subject into gross
impropriety or weakness. Levity of deportment, of
conduct, of remark; volatility of temper, of spirits;
flightiness of mind or disposition.
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