levity
/ˈlɛ.vɪ.ti/
Group 32Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (noun)
- Humor or lack of seriousness, especially during a serious occasion GRE
Example in Context
The momentary levity provided by the comedian's appearance helped relieve the tension of a conference that had been marked by contentious debate.
Synonyms
humorlightheartednessfun
Etymology
Lightness in mood or tone, often in serious situations.
- levis (Latin) — light or not serious
Memory Aid
🎈Sounds like “levity like levitate”
During the funeral, my levity made me feel like I could LEVITATE out of my seat with laughter!
Visual Association
😂A clown juggling at a serious gathering, eliciting laughter and lightness amidst the solemnity.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “levity” mean on the GRE?
levity (noun) means “Humor or lack of seriousness, especially during a serious occasion”. The momentary levity provided by the comedian's appearance helped relieve the tension of a conference that had been marked by contentious debate.
How to remember “levity” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “levity” sounds like “levity like levitate”. During the funeral, my levity made me feel like I could LEVITATE out of my seat with laughter!
What are synonyms for “levity”?
Common synonyms: humor, lightheartedness, fun.