levity

Levity is a noun with two principal meanings. In everyday language, it denotes a lightness of mood or a lack of seriousness, often used to describe humor or playful behavior. In a historical or philosophical context, levity also referred to physical lightness or weightlessness, though this sense is now uncommon in modern science.

Etymology: The word derives from Latin levitas meaning lightness, from levis meaning light. It entered English via Old French.

Usage: When levity is present in conversation, it can ease tension or be seen as inappropriate in solemn settings. Phrases such as "to speak with levity" or "bring some levity to the discussion" illustrate its social function. The term is frequently discussed in contrast to gravity or seriousness.

Science and history: In early scientific writings, levity described an object's tendency to be light in weight. Today, physics does not use levity as a technical term; instead it uses mass, weight, density, buoyancy, and gravity. Levitation, the act of rising in defiance of gravity, is a different concept.

See also: Gravity, Weight, Buoyancy, Levitation, Humor, Seriousness.