different between foolishness vs levity

English

Etymology

From Middle English folishnesse, follissnesse, equivalent to foolish +? -ness.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?fu?l??n?s/

Noun

foolishness (countable and uncountable, plural foolishnesses)

1. (uncountable) The state of being foolish.
2. (countable) A thing or event that is foolish, or an absurdity.

Synonyms

• imprudence, folly
• extravagance, irresponsibility
• indiscretion, absurdity
• ridiculousness
• stupidity

Antonyms

• wisdom

Related terms

• fool

Translations

English

Etymology

Coined in 1564, from Latin levit?s (“lightness, frivolity”), from levis (“lightness (in weight)”). Cognate to lever, and more distantly, light.

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /?l?.v?.ti/

Noun

levity (usually uncountable, plural levities)

1. Lightness of manner or speech, frivolity; lack of appropriate seriousness; inclination to make a joke of serious matters.
2. (obsolete) Lack of steadiness.
3. The state or quality of being light, buoyancy.

   • Most of the confidences were unsought - frequently I have feigned sleep, preoccupation or a hostile levity […]

   • 1838, Robert Montgomery Bird, Peter Pilgrim

     […] it would really seem as if there was something nomadic in our natures, a principle of levity and restlessness […]

   • 1869, Mary Somerville, On Molecular and Microscopic Science 1.1.12:

     Hydrogen […] rises in the air on account of its levity.

4. (countable) A lighthearted or frivolous act.

Antonyms

• gravity

Derived terms

• levitous

Translations

References