01 n. The quality of weighing less than something else of equal bulk; relative lightness, especially as shown by rising through, or floating upon…
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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.
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2.
Lack of gravity and earnestness in deportment or character; trifling gayety; frivolity; sportiveness; vanity.“He never employed his omnipotence out of levity.” — Calamy.
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3.
Lack of steadiness or constancy; disposition to change; fickleness; volatility.“The levity that is fatigued and disgusted with everything of which it is in possession.” — Burke.
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.