Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Levity
Lev′i-ty
(lĕv′ĭ-ty̆)
, Noun.
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
. He gave the form of
levity
to that which ascended; to that which descended, the form of gravity. Sir. W. Raleigh.
This bubble by reason of its comparative
levity
to the fluidity that incloses it, would ascend to the top. Bentley.
2.
Lack of gravity and earnestness in deportment or character; trifling gayety; frivolity; sportiveness; vanity.
“ A spirit of levity and libertinism.” Atterbury.
He never employed his omnipotence out of
levity
. Calamy.
3.
Lack of steadiness or constancy; disposition to change; fickleness; volatility.
Syn. – Inconstancy; thoughtlessness; unsteadiness; inconsideration; volatility; flightiness.
–
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. Webster 1828 Edition
Levity
LEV'ITY
,Noun.
1.
Lightness; the want of weight in a body, compared with another that is heavier. The ascent of a balloon in the air is owing to its levity, as the gas that fills it is lighter than common air.2.
Lightness of temper or conduct; inconstancy; changeableness; unsteadiness; as the levity of youth.3.
Want of due consideration; vanity; freak. He never employed his omnipotence out of levity or ostentation.4.
Gaiety of mind; want of seriousness; disposition to trifle. The spirit of religion and seriousness was succeeded by levity.