levity
Say it: LEV-ih-tee /ˈlɛvɪti/ · noun
What “levity” means
A little humour or light-heartedness in a serious situation.
More precisely: Humour or light-heartedness, especially when the situation is serious.
Example: “A moment of levity during the tough review helped everyone relax.”
When to use it
Use it for a light-hearted moment that eases tension, or when joking seems out of place during something serious.
Memory trick
Latin “levis” means light: levity can make a heavy moment feel lighter.
Similar words
humour, light-heartedness, frivolity
Where it comes from
From Latin levitas, from levis, 'light'.
Quick check
While everyone anxiously waits for an important announcement, a gentle joke helps the group relax. It brings a moment of…
gravity or levity?
Show the answer
levity
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