Choose the word that is the closest antonym of the underlined word:-
Considering how terrible the situation was, her levity was appalling.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → gravity
Levity means treating a serious matter with humour or lack of respect. The situation was terrible, so her light, joking manner was shocking (appalling). Its antonym is gravity.
Example: His levity at the funeral upset the family.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) frivolity | silly, light-hearted behaviour at a time that needs seriousness (a synonym of levity) | There was no room for frivolity in the exam hall. |
| (2) witticism | a clever, funny remark (it belongs with levity rather than against it) | The speaker opened with a witticism that made everyone laugh. |
| (3) criticism | pointing out faults (it is not the opposite of a light, joking manner) | The film received harsh criticism for its weak story. |
| (4) gravity (answer) | (of manner) seriousness and solemnity (a joking manner and a serious one are opposites, and a terrible situation calls for gravity) | The doctor spoke with gravity about the patient's condition. |
| Synonyms of levity: frivolity, flippancy, light-heartedness, jocularity Antonyms of levity: gravity, seriousness, solemnity, sobriety Also asked in CUET (UG): levity – 19-05-2026 Slot 1 frivolity – 20-05-2025 Slot 2 |