levity

• More often than not, it is brought about by the exulting chatter of a few irrepressible and also irresponsible individuals who have military or political ambitions to look after, and no other faculty of reason or vocabulary than the gibberish “that war will clear the air.” They ostentatiously claim a monopoly of patriotism; and convey their views on war matters with a blustering levity which is a marvel to the astonished soul. —  Drake, Nelson and Napoleon
• He meant what he said; what was called his levity was merely the laughter of a man who enjoyed saying what he meant—an occupation which is indeed one of the greatest larks in life. —  The Project Gutenberg eBook of George Bernard Shaw, by Gilbert K. Chesterton.
• Just for the sake of levity, here are some of the headlines of what we've been posting over at —  The Moderate Voice
• Madame de Sévigné's heart, indeed, we grieve to fear, was somewhat hard In another letter, after a long strain as worldly as any one could wish to see, this lively woman thus touches, with a sincerity as unquestionable as the levity is, on the point of personal religion But, my dear child, the greatest inclination I have at present is to be a little religious. —  Classic French Course in English
• They would have considered its presentation on common occasions or in a spirit of levity, as a great impropriety In ancient times the performance of the hula Pele, like that of all other plays, was prefaced with prayer and sacrifice The offering customarily used in the service of this hula consisted of salt crystals and of luau made from the delicate unrolled taro leaf. —  Unwritten Literature of Hawaii The Sacred Songs of the Hula

Allen's Synonyms and Antonyms

Used in the Same Context