How to pronounce levity
Say it like LEV-ih-tee. Levity has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LEV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce levity. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LEV
- ih
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Levity pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LEVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of levity
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: LEV-ih-tee.
What does levity mean?
- A lightness of manner or speech, frivolity; flippancy; a lack of appropriate seriousness; an inclination to make a joke of serious matters.“An attempt to inject a little levity into the proceedings.”
- The state or quality of being light, buoyancy.
- A lighthearted or frivolous act.
Where does levity come from?
Coined in 1564, from Latin levitās (“lightness, frivolity”), from levis (“lightness (in weight)”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying levity
How do you pronounce levity?
Say LEV-ih-tee. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɛvɪti/. In British English it is /ˈlɛvɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in levity?
Levity has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LEV). Broken into parts: LEV · ih · tee.
Is levity pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈlɛvɪti/ (LEV-ih-tee).