Levity

Noun

Definition: Lack of seriousness or lightness of manner.

Synonyms: Frivolity, Lightheartedness, Playfulness

Antonyms: Seriousness, Gravity, Solemnity

Examples:

His constant levity made it difficult to have a serious conversation with him.
The comedian added a touch of levity to the tense atmosphere.

Mnemonics:

"Levity" sounds similar to "light" and both convey a sense of lightness or lack of seriousness.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Middle English from Latin "levitas", from "levis" (light), related to "levare" (to lift).

Historical Usage:

The word "levity" has been used since the late 15th century with a consistent understanding of lack of seriousness or lightness.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Levity kills"

Explanation:

This phrase is often used to emphasize the negative impacts of not taking a serious matter seriously.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Using "levity" to refer to a state of being light in weight.

Explanation:

While "levity" shares the same root with "light" in terms of weight, its meaning is specifically about lack of seriousness rather than physical lightness.