\Lev"i*ty\ (l[e^]v"[i^]*t[y^]), 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}.

         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.

2. Lack of gravity and earnestness in deportment or
   character; trifling gayety; frivolity; sportiveness;
   vanity. `` A spirit of levity and libertinism.''
   --Atterbury.

         He never employed his omnipotence out of levity.
                                               --Calamy.

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.

Usage: {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.