GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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  1.       
    
    Levity , n. [L. levitas, fr. levis light in weight; akin to levare to raise. See Lever, n.]
    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.
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      He gave the form of levity to that which ascended; to that which descended, the form of gravity.
      Sir. W. Raleigh.

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      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. “ A spirit of levity and libertinism.”
      Atterbury.

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      He never employed his omnipotence out of levity.
      Calamy.

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    3. Lack of steadiness or constancy; disposition to change; fickleness; volatility.
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      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.

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