What is the opposite of 'gravitas'? The Next CEO of Stack OverflowWhat is the opposite of “Expiring Soon”?What is the opposite action of “enlist”?What is the opposite of Peripheral?What is the opposite of a monopoly?What is the opposite of rest/remainder?What is the opposite of superficial?What is the opposite of “the moderns”?What is the opposite of fad?What is the opposite of “Racist”?What is the opposite of a hacker?
Should I tutor a student who I know has cheated on their homework?
Why didn't Khan get resurrected in the Genesis Explosion?
Why is there a PLL in CPU?
How do spells that require an ability check vs. the caster's spell save DC work?
Whats the best way to handle refactoring a big file?
Apart from "berlinern", do any other German dialects have a corresponding verb?
Increase performance creating Mandelbrot set in python
How do scammers retract money, while you can’t?
Why do remote companies require working in the US?
How to write the block matrix in LaTex?
What is the difference between "behavior" and "behaviour"?
MAZDA 3 2006 (UK) - poor acceleration then takes off at 3250 revs
Can I equip Skullclamp on a creature I am sacrificing?
Was a professor correct to chastise me for writing "Prof. X" rather than "Professor X"?
Where to find order of arguments for default functions
How can I open an app using Terminal?
Visit to the USA with ESTA approved before trip to Iran
I believe this to be a fraud - hired, then asked to cash check and send cash as Bitcoin
% symbol leads to superlong (forever?) compilations
How to write papers efficiently when English isn't my first language?
Trouble understanding the speech of overseas colleagues
How to make a variable always equal to the result of some calculations?
Does the Brexit deal have to be agreed by both Houses?
Opposite of a diet
What is the opposite of 'gravitas'?
The Next CEO of Stack OverflowWhat is the opposite of “Expiring Soon”?What is the opposite action of “enlist”?What is the opposite of Peripheral?What is the opposite of a monopoly?What is the opposite of rest/remainder?What is the opposite of superficial?What is the opposite of “the moderns”?What is the opposite of fad?What is the opposite of “Racist”?What is the opposite of a hacker?
I'm having difficulty coming up with a valid antonym for gravitas.
Online searches return results like superficiality, cheerfulness, frivolity, facetiousness etc. which don't work for me. They seem to be opposites of gravitas as it is understood by the person who has it.
As in, "We need to undertake this project with gravitas", "he carried himself with gravitas".
This is taken to mean seriousness.
There's another sense of the word, as the quality of a person having gravitas. In this case, the things they say and do are given significance because of
gravitas.
What if what someone has to say is automatically disregarded because of... the opposite of gravitas.
What would that word be?
single-word-requests antonyms
|
show 11 more comments
I'm having difficulty coming up with a valid antonym for gravitas.
Online searches return results like superficiality, cheerfulness, frivolity, facetiousness etc. which don't work for me. They seem to be opposites of gravitas as it is understood by the person who has it.
As in, "We need to undertake this project with gravitas", "he carried himself with gravitas".
This is taken to mean seriousness.
There's another sense of the word, as the quality of a person having gravitas. In this case, the things they say and do are given significance because of
gravitas.
What if what someone has to say is automatically disregarded because of... the opposite of gravitas.
What would that word be?
single-word-requests antonyms
73
I wish the answer was "anti-gravitas"...
– Pam
Mar 25 at 14:29
1
It might be helpful to provide example sentences where your particular sense is used. As I read your question, the example sentences you show are of a sense you don't want. -- I'm also unclear on the distinction in senses you seem to be making. You might want to clarify that, and example sentences of each (clearly labeled) can help.
– R.M.
Mar 25 at 15:10
5
@Lambie I'd say 'gravitas' is a fairly old-fashioned word.
– AJFaraday
Mar 25 at 16:00
4
"flibbertigibbetosity"
– Greg Lee
Mar 25 at 16:33
2
Maybe it’s flibbertigibbetas
– Jim
Mar 25 at 18:36
|
show 11 more comments
I'm having difficulty coming up with a valid antonym for gravitas.
Online searches return results like superficiality, cheerfulness, frivolity, facetiousness etc. which don't work for me. They seem to be opposites of gravitas as it is understood by the person who has it.
As in, "We need to undertake this project with gravitas", "he carried himself with gravitas".
This is taken to mean seriousness.
There's another sense of the word, as the quality of a person having gravitas. In this case, the things they say and do are given significance because of
gravitas.
What if what someone has to say is automatically disregarded because of... the opposite of gravitas.
What would that word be?
single-word-requests antonyms
I'm having difficulty coming up with a valid antonym for gravitas.
Online searches return results like superficiality, cheerfulness, frivolity, facetiousness etc. which don't work for me. They seem to be opposites of gravitas as it is understood by the person who has it.
As in, "We need to undertake this project with gravitas", "he carried himself with gravitas".
This is taken to mean seriousness.
There's another sense of the word, as the quality of a person having gravitas. In this case, the things they say and do are given significance because of
gravitas.
What if what someone has to say is automatically disregarded because of... the opposite of gravitas.
What would that word be?
single-word-requests antonyms
single-word-requests antonyms
edited 2 days ago
Laurel
34.4k668119
34.4k668119
asked Mar 25 at 13:14
AJFaradayAJFaraday
1,077917
1,077917
73
I wish the answer was "anti-gravitas"...
– Pam
Mar 25 at 14:29
1
It might be helpful to provide example sentences where your particular sense is used. As I read your question, the example sentences you show are of a sense you don't want. -- I'm also unclear on the distinction in senses you seem to be making. You might want to clarify that, and example sentences of each (clearly labeled) can help.
– R.M.
Mar 25 at 15:10
5
@Lambie I'd say 'gravitas' is a fairly old-fashioned word.
– AJFaraday
Mar 25 at 16:00
4
"flibbertigibbetosity"
– Greg Lee
Mar 25 at 16:33
2
Maybe it’s flibbertigibbetas
– Jim
Mar 25 at 18:36
|
show 11 more comments
73
I wish the answer was "anti-gravitas"...
– Pam
Mar 25 at 14:29
1
It might be helpful to provide example sentences where your particular sense is used. As I read your question, the example sentences you show are of a sense you don't want. -- I'm also unclear on the distinction in senses you seem to be making. You might want to clarify that, and example sentences of each (clearly labeled) can help.
– R.M.
Mar 25 at 15:10
5
@Lambie I'd say 'gravitas' is a fairly old-fashioned word.
– AJFaraday
Mar 25 at 16:00
4
"flibbertigibbetosity"
– Greg Lee
Mar 25 at 16:33
2
Maybe it’s flibbertigibbetas
– Jim
Mar 25 at 18:36
73
73
I wish the answer was "anti-gravitas"...
– Pam
Mar 25 at 14:29
I wish the answer was "anti-gravitas"...
– Pam
Mar 25 at 14:29
1
1
It might be helpful to provide example sentences where your particular sense is used. As I read your question, the example sentences you show are of a sense you don't want. -- I'm also unclear on the distinction in senses you seem to be making. You might want to clarify that, and example sentences of each (clearly labeled) can help.
– R.M.
Mar 25 at 15:10
It might be helpful to provide example sentences where your particular sense is used. As I read your question, the example sentences you show are of a sense you don't want. -- I'm also unclear on the distinction in senses you seem to be making. You might want to clarify that, and example sentences of each (clearly labeled) can help.
– R.M.
Mar 25 at 15:10
5
5
@Lambie I'd say 'gravitas' is a fairly old-fashioned word.
– AJFaraday
Mar 25 at 16:00
@Lambie I'd say 'gravitas' is a fairly old-fashioned word.
– AJFaraday
Mar 25 at 16:00
4
4
"flibbertigibbetosity"
– Greg Lee
Mar 25 at 16:33
"flibbertigibbetosity"
– Greg Lee
Mar 25 at 16:33
2
2
Maybe it’s flibbertigibbetas
– Jim
Mar 25 at 18:36
Maybe it’s flibbertigibbetas
– Jim
Mar 25 at 18:36
|
show 11 more comments
20 Answers
20
active
oldest
votes
You could try levity:
Levity may refer to
- a sense of amusement, the opposite of gravitas
81
Weird quirk: Latin does have the word levitas, which would be a direct contrast to gravitas. However, because the Latin form is part of what gives gravitas its gravitas, it would feel odd or quirky to use levitas in the same way. Hence levity (comp. gravity) is a great choice.
– TaliesinMerlin
Mar 25 at 13:46
4
@TaliesinMerlin That's a beautiful irony. I wonder whether there's a word for this situation!
– Lightness Races in Orbit
Mar 25 at 17:35
27
@TaliesinMerlin If "levity" has too much gravitas, one could substitute "levi-OHHHH-sa" and wave a little stick.
– David Richerby
Mar 25 at 17:58
What is the word for someone who with levity and frivolity is deadly serious?
– Sentinel
Mar 26 at 1:06
2
The oddity and quirkiness of levitas makes it kinda perfect for the OP's purposes.
– J. C. Salomon
2 days ago
|
show 1 more comment
There is nothing wrong with the word Frivolity as you pointed out. It actually means- lack of seriousness. The word Frivolity, from Latin frivolus. It is a synonym to levity and it is directly opposite to the word serious.
Frivolity (noun): the quality or state of being frivolous.
Merriam-Webster defines frivolous (adj.) as,
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frivolous
2.a: lacking in seriousness
His frequent frivolous behavior in the meeting is a big concern.
1
Frivolity doesn't usually refer to the way someone carries themself, which is a typical use of gravitas.
– sondra.kinsey
Mar 25 at 18:13
@sondra.kinsey unfortunately, we can't say frivolitas or levitas.
– Ubi hatt
Mar 26 at 1:38
add a comment |
Flippancy, perhaps?
Flippant - Displaying unbecoming levity in the consideration of serious subjects or in behaviour to persons entitled to respect. (OED)
add a comment |
I generally agree that levity is a pretty direct antonym of gravitas, but "he carried himself with levity" doesn't sound right. So I'll suggest
insouciance
n. Blithe lack of concern; nonchalance.
New contributor
I guess I think of "insouciance" as a positive - an attractive characteristic, rather than in inappropriate light-mindedness.
– user888379
Mar 25 at 16:28
Lack of gravitas can be positive. It depends on context.
– nigel222
14 hours ago
add a comment |
What about apathy?
absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.
lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.
New contributor
2
The Stoic tradition believed strongly in both gravitas and apatheia. While modern apathy has different connotations, I still see gravitas as having a cool relaxed indifference that bears some resemblence to apathy.
– sondra.kinsey
Mar 25 at 18:15
add a comment |
Another option: nonchalance
the state or quality of being nonchalant; cool indifference or lack of concern; casualness.
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/nonchalance
Nonchalance is still an attitude, as opposed to a quality. I couldn't imagine saying "Nobody will listen to me, I've just got too much nonchalance".
– AJFaraday
Mar 25 at 14:47
2
Probably not, but I could imagine it as an adjective “Why won’t anyone take me seriously?” “Well, you are kind of nonchalant when you present.”
– Damila
Mar 25 at 15:22
add a comment |
Carelessness
[kair-lis]
adjective
1) not paying enough attention to what one does
2) not exact, accurate, or thorough:
careless work.
2) done or said heedlessly or negligently; unconsidered:
4) not caring or troubling; having no care or concern; unconcerned (usually followed by of, about, or in)
5) possessed or caused without effort or art; unstudied
6) Archaic . free from anxiety.
Source: Dictionary.com
add a comment |
Triviality
The ODO definition of 'triviality' states:
Lack of seriousness or importance; insignificance.
Here are ODO examples of usage:
‘the mediocrity and triviality of current popular culture’
‘the relentlessness of his triviality is grating’
So in your examples, we might have:
We need to undertake this project without triviality,
He carried himself in a trivial fashion.
What you are getting at is, I think, a kind of weightlessness, and 'ungroundedness' in a person or project, which leads to a desire to avoid or disregard them.
add a comment |
How about vacuity, silliness, or buffoonery?
foolishness, senselessness
– Daniel
2 days ago
insincerity, flakiness, fishiness
– Daniel
2 days ago
1
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., dictionary definitions for your suggestions.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
1
I think 'vacuity' might be the best answer of all. But it needs somebody to propose it with a dictionary definition, usage example etc.
– EleventhDoctor
yesterday
add a comment |
This is taken to mean seriousness.
[...]
There's another sense of the word, as the quality of a person having gravitas. In this case, the things they say and do are given significance because of gravitas.
The specific use of "gravitas", this sense of possessing gravitas lending weight or importance to a person leads me to believe you may be extending the meaning of the phrase "air of gravitas" to "gravitas" itself. I therefore believe you are looking for
insignificance, the quality or state of being insignificant, which is itself defined as
not significant: such as
a : lacking meaning or import
b : small in size, quantity, or number
c : not worth considering : unimportant
d : lacking weight, position, or influence : contemptible
(Merriam-Webster)
To put it in context from your question:
What if what someone has to say is automatically disregarded because
of their insignificance?
New contributor
add a comment |
I'd like to suggest inane, inanity.
Google tells me about inane:
mid 16th century: from Latin inanis ‘empty, vain’.
Inanity (From merriam-webster)
the quality or state of being inane: such as
a : lack of substance : emptiness
b : vapid, pointless, or fatuous character : shallowness
add a comment |
Lightweight.
From the Oxford Am.Dictionary:
2
• informal a person of little importance or influence, especially in a particular sphere: he was regarded as a political lightweight.
add a comment |
Consider: mercuriality.
mercuriality
- the state or quality of having a lively, fickle, volatile, or erratic attitude or character.
- an instance of such behavior. — mercurial, adj.
The Free Dictionary.
2
I don't think that fits. While a mercurial temperament is lacking in gravitas, it isn't a polar opposite -- "gravitas" doesn't imply a decisive, slow-moving, or predictable nature, nor does "mercurial" imply frivolity.
– duskwuff
Mar 25 at 19:34
add a comment |
Perhaps 'foppery'? aka: foolish character or action
"The entire exercise was laden with foppery, and as a result lacked any sense of gravitas."
Depending on the actual sentence structure, it could be 'foppish'.
"Nobody will listen to me, I'm far too foppish."
That's over the moon here,isn't it? :)
– Lambie
Mar 25 at 16:00
Seriously check this word in urbandictionary.com before you use it about a co-worker!
– CCTO
Mar 25 at 16:47
@CCTO I couldn't find an entry for 'foppery' in urban dictionary, and similar entries for words starting with 'fop' don't seem widely used. 'foppish' does have an entry meaning basically 'effeminate'
– Daniel
2 days ago
@Daniel: you are right, I was sloppy. It's the form "foppish" that's in urbandictionary, confirming my initial reaction that "foppery" would, by many speakers, be taken to imply effeminacy. The actual form "foppery" may be less common, in any usage, but I'd be prepared for many people to apply the same idea.
– CCTO
9 hours ago
add a comment |
As far as attractive force is concerned, the obvious opposite is
repulsiveness
An easier word that better fits the theme of levity (proposed above) would be
ease
The opposite of a grave situation that may be potentially underestimated with regards to its gravitas, would be an easy situation, after all.
add a comment |
In the case of gravitas in your example, the gravitas is a externally perceived quality of the person in question.
Insignificance would be the opposite of the meaning of gravitas in your example. The problem with this, at least for me:
- What she says carries a lot of weight, because of her gravitas.
- What she says is automatically disregarded, because of her insignificance.
In 1., the attribution is implicitly a perception, while in 2. i'd understand it as a statement of fact, i.e the person is perceived to be X versus the person is X
So i would add another word (slightly violating your single-word tag);
"What she says is automatically disregarded, because of her perceived insignificance."
or
"What she says is automatically disregarded, because she is perceived as insignificant."
add a comment |
I don't think this can be answered with only one word, honestly.
The media uses gravitas to describe politicians who have a lot of respect or political sway with other politicians even. I wouldn't use any of the words listed above to describe a human being who had the opposite of gravitas. I would call him/her feckless, when the object is a human.
If the object is an object, I agree with frivolous or the other antonyms listed here.
New contributor
add a comment |
What about the rather simple word lightheartedness which would be the noun form of the adjective lighthearted? Gravitas essentially means seriousness of manner in approaching things. Well, dealing with things in a lighthearted manner sounds almost exactly like the opposite of that. The Cambridge Dictionary defines lighthearted as happy and not serious. In other words, we technically could say that a person who is lighthearted lacks gravitas.
Example sentence:
He is a man of gravitas. Approaching problems in a lighthearted manner is not one of his traits.
add a comment |
I would suggest Trumpishness. Maybe not common use yet, but it will be. Someone recently said "out-Nixoned Nixon". Everybody knew what that meant.
New contributor
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., a dictionary definition for your suggestion.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
@V2Blast Firstly, please don't go posting comments beginning "You should ...". Secondly, some words are buildable from freely applicable morphemes and these words more often than not don't appear in dictionaries.
– Araucaria
2 days ago
@Araucaria: I could just as easily make up a new word and suggest that instead, but it wouldn't be a good answer if it was entirely unsupported as this answer is.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
This is a site for linguists and therefore the valid and creative use of the freely productive morpheme will be both appreciated and readily understood and therefore this needs no other suppport than its own existence.
– Araucaria
2 days ago
add a comment |
A favorite phrase I have seen used to describe people with the opposite of gravitas is to call them, basically a non-entity.
I think the description best suited to your needs is Mundane meaning supremely ordinary.
New contributor
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., dictionary definitions for your suggestions.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
add a comment |
protected by tchrist♦ 2 days ago
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?
20 Answers
20
active
oldest
votes
20 Answers
20
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
You could try levity:
Levity may refer to
- a sense of amusement, the opposite of gravitas
81
Weird quirk: Latin does have the word levitas, which would be a direct contrast to gravitas. However, because the Latin form is part of what gives gravitas its gravitas, it would feel odd or quirky to use levitas in the same way. Hence levity (comp. gravity) is a great choice.
– TaliesinMerlin
Mar 25 at 13:46
4
@TaliesinMerlin That's a beautiful irony. I wonder whether there's a word for this situation!
– Lightness Races in Orbit
Mar 25 at 17:35
27
@TaliesinMerlin If "levity" has too much gravitas, one could substitute "levi-OHHHH-sa" and wave a little stick.
– David Richerby
Mar 25 at 17:58
What is the word for someone who with levity and frivolity is deadly serious?
– Sentinel
Mar 26 at 1:06
2
The oddity and quirkiness of levitas makes it kinda perfect for the OP's purposes.
– J. C. Salomon
2 days ago
|
show 1 more comment
You could try levity:
Levity may refer to
- a sense of amusement, the opposite of gravitas
81
Weird quirk: Latin does have the word levitas, which would be a direct contrast to gravitas. However, because the Latin form is part of what gives gravitas its gravitas, it would feel odd or quirky to use levitas in the same way. Hence levity (comp. gravity) is a great choice.
– TaliesinMerlin
Mar 25 at 13:46
4
@TaliesinMerlin That's a beautiful irony. I wonder whether there's a word for this situation!
– Lightness Races in Orbit
Mar 25 at 17:35
27
@TaliesinMerlin If "levity" has too much gravitas, one could substitute "levi-OHHHH-sa" and wave a little stick.
– David Richerby
Mar 25 at 17:58
What is the word for someone who with levity and frivolity is deadly serious?
– Sentinel
Mar 26 at 1:06
2
The oddity and quirkiness of levitas makes it kinda perfect for the OP's purposes.
– J. C. Salomon
2 days ago
|
show 1 more comment
You could try levity:
Levity may refer to
- a sense of amusement, the opposite of gravitas
You could try levity:
Levity may refer to
- a sense of amusement, the opposite of gravitas
edited 2 days ago
Sven Yargs
115k20249507
115k20249507
answered Mar 25 at 13:38
Lord PeterLord Peter
817155
817155
81
Weird quirk: Latin does have the word levitas, which would be a direct contrast to gravitas. However, because the Latin form is part of what gives gravitas its gravitas, it would feel odd or quirky to use levitas in the same way. Hence levity (comp. gravity) is a great choice.
– TaliesinMerlin
Mar 25 at 13:46
4
@TaliesinMerlin That's a beautiful irony. I wonder whether there's a word for this situation!
– Lightness Races in Orbit
Mar 25 at 17:35
27
@TaliesinMerlin If "levity" has too much gravitas, one could substitute "levi-OHHHH-sa" and wave a little stick.
– David Richerby
Mar 25 at 17:58
What is the word for someone who with levity and frivolity is deadly serious?
– Sentinel
Mar 26 at 1:06
2
The oddity and quirkiness of levitas makes it kinda perfect for the OP's purposes.
– J. C. Salomon
2 days ago
|
show 1 more comment
81
Weird quirk: Latin does have the word levitas, which would be a direct contrast to gravitas. However, because the Latin form is part of what gives gravitas its gravitas, it would feel odd or quirky to use levitas in the same way. Hence levity (comp. gravity) is a great choice.
– TaliesinMerlin
Mar 25 at 13:46
4
@TaliesinMerlin That's a beautiful irony. I wonder whether there's a word for this situation!
– Lightness Races in Orbit
Mar 25 at 17:35
27
@TaliesinMerlin If "levity" has too much gravitas, one could substitute "levi-OHHHH-sa" and wave a little stick.
– David Richerby
Mar 25 at 17:58
What is the word for someone who with levity and frivolity is deadly serious?
– Sentinel
Mar 26 at 1:06
2
The oddity and quirkiness of levitas makes it kinda perfect for the OP's purposes.
– J. C. Salomon
2 days ago
81
81
Weird quirk: Latin does have the word levitas, which would be a direct contrast to gravitas. However, because the Latin form is part of what gives gravitas its gravitas, it would feel odd or quirky to use levitas in the same way. Hence levity (comp. gravity) is a great choice.
– TaliesinMerlin
Mar 25 at 13:46
Weird quirk: Latin does have the word levitas, which would be a direct contrast to gravitas. However, because the Latin form is part of what gives gravitas its gravitas, it would feel odd or quirky to use levitas in the same way. Hence levity (comp. gravity) is a great choice.
– TaliesinMerlin
Mar 25 at 13:46
4
4
@TaliesinMerlin That's a beautiful irony. I wonder whether there's a word for this situation!
– Lightness Races in Orbit
Mar 25 at 17:35
@TaliesinMerlin That's a beautiful irony. I wonder whether there's a word for this situation!
– Lightness Races in Orbit
Mar 25 at 17:35
27
27
@TaliesinMerlin If "levity" has too much gravitas, one could substitute "levi-OHHHH-sa" and wave a little stick.
– David Richerby
Mar 25 at 17:58
@TaliesinMerlin If "levity" has too much gravitas, one could substitute "levi-OHHHH-sa" and wave a little stick.
– David Richerby
Mar 25 at 17:58
What is the word for someone who with levity and frivolity is deadly serious?
– Sentinel
Mar 26 at 1:06
What is the word for someone who with levity and frivolity is deadly serious?
– Sentinel
Mar 26 at 1:06
2
2
The oddity and quirkiness of levitas makes it kinda perfect for the OP's purposes.
– J. C. Salomon
2 days ago
The oddity and quirkiness of levitas makes it kinda perfect for the OP's purposes.
– J. C. Salomon
2 days ago
|
show 1 more comment
There is nothing wrong with the word Frivolity as you pointed out. It actually means- lack of seriousness. The word Frivolity, from Latin frivolus. It is a synonym to levity and it is directly opposite to the word serious.
Frivolity (noun): the quality or state of being frivolous.
Merriam-Webster defines frivolous (adj.) as,
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frivolous
2.a: lacking in seriousness
His frequent frivolous behavior in the meeting is a big concern.
1
Frivolity doesn't usually refer to the way someone carries themself, which is a typical use of gravitas.
– sondra.kinsey
Mar 25 at 18:13
@sondra.kinsey unfortunately, we can't say frivolitas or levitas.
– Ubi hatt
Mar 26 at 1:38
add a comment |
There is nothing wrong with the word Frivolity as you pointed out. It actually means- lack of seriousness. The word Frivolity, from Latin frivolus. It is a synonym to levity and it is directly opposite to the word serious.
Frivolity (noun): the quality or state of being frivolous.
Merriam-Webster defines frivolous (adj.) as,
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frivolous
2.a: lacking in seriousness
His frequent frivolous behavior in the meeting is a big concern.
1
Frivolity doesn't usually refer to the way someone carries themself, which is a typical use of gravitas.
– sondra.kinsey
Mar 25 at 18:13
@sondra.kinsey unfortunately, we can't say frivolitas or levitas.
– Ubi hatt
Mar 26 at 1:38
add a comment |
There is nothing wrong with the word Frivolity as you pointed out. It actually means- lack of seriousness. The word Frivolity, from Latin frivolus. It is a synonym to levity and it is directly opposite to the word serious.
Frivolity (noun): the quality or state of being frivolous.
Merriam-Webster defines frivolous (adj.) as,
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frivolous
2.a: lacking in seriousness
His frequent frivolous behavior in the meeting is a big concern.
There is nothing wrong with the word Frivolity as you pointed out. It actually means- lack of seriousness. The word Frivolity, from Latin frivolus. It is a synonym to levity and it is directly opposite to the word serious.
Frivolity (noun): the quality or state of being frivolous.
Merriam-Webster defines frivolous (adj.) as,
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frivolous
2.a: lacking in seriousness
His frequent frivolous behavior in the meeting is a big concern.
edited 2 days ago
answered Mar 25 at 14:35
Ubi hattUbi hatt
3,7811027
3,7811027
1
Frivolity doesn't usually refer to the way someone carries themself, which is a typical use of gravitas.
– sondra.kinsey
Mar 25 at 18:13
@sondra.kinsey unfortunately, we can't say frivolitas or levitas.
– Ubi hatt
Mar 26 at 1:38
add a comment |
1
Frivolity doesn't usually refer to the way someone carries themself, which is a typical use of gravitas.
– sondra.kinsey
Mar 25 at 18:13
@sondra.kinsey unfortunately, we can't say frivolitas or levitas.
– Ubi hatt
Mar 26 at 1:38
1
1
Frivolity doesn't usually refer to the way someone carries themself, which is a typical use of gravitas.
– sondra.kinsey
Mar 25 at 18:13
Frivolity doesn't usually refer to the way someone carries themself, which is a typical use of gravitas.
– sondra.kinsey
Mar 25 at 18:13
@sondra.kinsey unfortunately, we can't say frivolitas or levitas.
– Ubi hatt
Mar 26 at 1:38
@sondra.kinsey unfortunately, we can't say frivolitas or levitas.
– Ubi hatt
Mar 26 at 1:38
add a comment |
Flippancy, perhaps?
Flippant - Displaying unbecoming levity in the consideration of serious subjects or in behaviour to persons entitled to respect. (OED)
add a comment |
Flippancy, perhaps?
Flippant - Displaying unbecoming levity in the consideration of serious subjects or in behaviour to persons entitled to respect. (OED)
add a comment |
Flippancy, perhaps?
Flippant - Displaying unbecoming levity in the consideration of serious subjects or in behaviour to persons entitled to respect. (OED)
Flippancy, perhaps?
Flippant - Displaying unbecoming levity in the consideration of serious subjects or in behaviour to persons entitled to respect. (OED)
answered Mar 25 at 16:41
DanDan
15.6k32561
15.6k32561
add a comment |
add a comment |
I generally agree that levity is a pretty direct antonym of gravitas, but "he carried himself with levity" doesn't sound right. So I'll suggest
insouciance
n. Blithe lack of concern; nonchalance.
New contributor
I guess I think of "insouciance" as a positive - an attractive characteristic, rather than in inappropriate light-mindedness.
– user888379
Mar 25 at 16:28
Lack of gravitas can be positive. It depends on context.
– nigel222
14 hours ago
add a comment |
I generally agree that levity is a pretty direct antonym of gravitas, but "he carried himself with levity" doesn't sound right. So I'll suggest
insouciance
n. Blithe lack of concern; nonchalance.
New contributor
I guess I think of "insouciance" as a positive - an attractive characteristic, rather than in inappropriate light-mindedness.
– user888379
Mar 25 at 16:28
Lack of gravitas can be positive. It depends on context.
– nigel222
14 hours ago
add a comment |
I generally agree that levity is a pretty direct antonym of gravitas, but "he carried himself with levity" doesn't sound right. So I'll suggest
insouciance
n. Blithe lack of concern; nonchalance.
New contributor
I generally agree that levity is a pretty direct antonym of gravitas, but "he carried himself with levity" doesn't sound right. So I'll suggest
insouciance
n. Blithe lack of concern; nonchalance.
New contributor
New contributor
answered Mar 25 at 14:46
aserghawerghaergaserghawerghaerg
1252
1252
New contributor
New contributor
I guess I think of "insouciance" as a positive - an attractive characteristic, rather than in inappropriate light-mindedness.
– user888379
Mar 25 at 16:28
Lack of gravitas can be positive. It depends on context.
– nigel222
14 hours ago
add a comment |
I guess I think of "insouciance" as a positive - an attractive characteristic, rather than in inappropriate light-mindedness.
– user888379
Mar 25 at 16:28
Lack of gravitas can be positive. It depends on context.
– nigel222
14 hours ago
I guess I think of "insouciance" as a positive - an attractive characteristic, rather than in inappropriate light-mindedness.
– user888379
Mar 25 at 16:28
I guess I think of "insouciance" as a positive - an attractive characteristic, rather than in inappropriate light-mindedness.
– user888379
Mar 25 at 16:28
Lack of gravitas can be positive. It depends on context.
– nigel222
14 hours ago
Lack of gravitas can be positive. It depends on context.
– nigel222
14 hours ago
add a comment |
What about apathy?
absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.
lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.
New contributor
2
The Stoic tradition believed strongly in both gravitas and apatheia. While modern apathy has different connotations, I still see gravitas as having a cool relaxed indifference that bears some resemblence to apathy.
– sondra.kinsey
Mar 25 at 18:15
add a comment |
What about apathy?
absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.
lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.
New contributor
2
The Stoic tradition believed strongly in both gravitas and apatheia. While modern apathy has different connotations, I still see gravitas as having a cool relaxed indifference that bears some resemblence to apathy.
– sondra.kinsey
Mar 25 at 18:15
add a comment |
What about apathy?
absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.
lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.
New contributor
What about apathy?
absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.
lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.
New contributor
edited 2 days ago
V2Blast
17529
17529
New contributor
answered Mar 25 at 16:19
MISHAMISHA
491
491
New contributor
New contributor
2
The Stoic tradition believed strongly in both gravitas and apatheia. While modern apathy has different connotations, I still see gravitas as having a cool relaxed indifference that bears some resemblence to apathy.
– sondra.kinsey
Mar 25 at 18:15
add a comment |
2
The Stoic tradition believed strongly in both gravitas and apatheia. While modern apathy has different connotations, I still see gravitas as having a cool relaxed indifference that bears some resemblence to apathy.
– sondra.kinsey
Mar 25 at 18:15
2
2
The Stoic tradition believed strongly in both gravitas and apatheia. While modern apathy has different connotations, I still see gravitas as having a cool relaxed indifference that bears some resemblence to apathy.
– sondra.kinsey
Mar 25 at 18:15
The Stoic tradition believed strongly in both gravitas and apatheia. While modern apathy has different connotations, I still see gravitas as having a cool relaxed indifference that bears some resemblence to apathy.
– sondra.kinsey
Mar 25 at 18:15
add a comment |
Another option: nonchalance
the state or quality of being nonchalant; cool indifference or lack of concern; casualness.
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/nonchalance
Nonchalance is still an attitude, as opposed to a quality. I couldn't imagine saying "Nobody will listen to me, I've just got too much nonchalance".
– AJFaraday
Mar 25 at 14:47
2
Probably not, but I could imagine it as an adjective “Why won’t anyone take me seriously?” “Well, you are kind of nonchalant when you present.”
– Damila
Mar 25 at 15:22
add a comment |
Another option: nonchalance
the state or quality of being nonchalant; cool indifference or lack of concern; casualness.
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/nonchalance
Nonchalance is still an attitude, as opposed to a quality. I couldn't imagine saying "Nobody will listen to me, I've just got too much nonchalance".
– AJFaraday
Mar 25 at 14:47
2
Probably not, but I could imagine it as an adjective “Why won’t anyone take me seriously?” “Well, you are kind of nonchalant when you present.”
– Damila
Mar 25 at 15:22
add a comment |
Another option: nonchalance
the state or quality of being nonchalant; cool indifference or lack of concern; casualness.
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/nonchalance
Another option: nonchalance
the state or quality of being nonchalant; cool indifference or lack of concern; casualness.
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/nonchalance
answered Mar 25 at 14:46
DamilaDamila
5797
5797
Nonchalance is still an attitude, as opposed to a quality. I couldn't imagine saying "Nobody will listen to me, I've just got too much nonchalance".
– AJFaraday
Mar 25 at 14:47
2
Probably not, but I could imagine it as an adjective “Why won’t anyone take me seriously?” “Well, you are kind of nonchalant when you present.”
– Damila
Mar 25 at 15:22
add a comment |
Nonchalance is still an attitude, as opposed to a quality. I couldn't imagine saying "Nobody will listen to me, I've just got too much nonchalance".
– AJFaraday
Mar 25 at 14:47
2
Probably not, but I could imagine it as an adjective “Why won’t anyone take me seriously?” “Well, you are kind of nonchalant when you present.”
– Damila
Mar 25 at 15:22
Nonchalance is still an attitude, as opposed to a quality. I couldn't imagine saying "Nobody will listen to me, I've just got too much nonchalance".
– AJFaraday
Mar 25 at 14:47
Nonchalance is still an attitude, as opposed to a quality. I couldn't imagine saying "Nobody will listen to me, I've just got too much nonchalance".
– AJFaraday
Mar 25 at 14:47
2
2
Probably not, but I could imagine it as an adjective “Why won’t anyone take me seriously?” “Well, you are kind of nonchalant when you present.”
– Damila
Mar 25 at 15:22
Probably not, but I could imagine it as an adjective “Why won’t anyone take me seriously?” “Well, you are kind of nonchalant when you present.”
– Damila
Mar 25 at 15:22
add a comment |
Carelessness
[kair-lis]
adjective
1) not paying enough attention to what one does
2) not exact, accurate, or thorough:
careless work.
2) done or said heedlessly or negligently; unconsidered:
4) not caring or troubling; having no care or concern; unconcerned (usually followed by of, about, or in)
5) possessed or caused without effort or art; unstudied
6) Archaic . free from anxiety.
Source: Dictionary.com
add a comment |
Carelessness
[kair-lis]
adjective
1) not paying enough attention to what one does
2) not exact, accurate, or thorough:
careless work.
2) done or said heedlessly or negligently; unconsidered:
4) not caring or troubling; having no care or concern; unconcerned (usually followed by of, about, or in)
5) possessed or caused without effort or art; unstudied
6) Archaic . free from anxiety.
Source: Dictionary.com
add a comment |
Carelessness
[kair-lis]
adjective
1) not paying enough attention to what one does
2) not exact, accurate, or thorough:
careless work.
2) done or said heedlessly or negligently; unconsidered:
4) not caring or troubling; having no care or concern; unconcerned (usually followed by of, about, or in)
5) possessed or caused without effort or art; unstudied
6) Archaic . free from anxiety.
Source: Dictionary.com
Carelessness
[kair-lis]
adjective
1) not paying enough attention to what one does
2) not exact, accurate, or thorough:
careless work.
2) done or said heedlessly or negligently; unconsidered:
4) not caring or troubling; having no care or concern; unconcerned (usually followed by of, about, or in)
5) possessed or caused without effort or art; unstudied
6) Archaic . free from anxiety.
Source: Dictionary.com
answered 2 days ago
PV22PV22
4,650933
4,650933
add a comment |
add a comment |
Triviality
The ODO definition of 'triviality' states:
Lack of seriousness or importance; insignificance.
Here are ODO examples of usage:
‘the mediocrity and triviality of current popular culture’
‘the relentlessness of his triviality is grating’
So in your examples, we might have:
We need to undertake this project without triviality,
He carried himself in a trivial fashion.
What you are getting at is, I think, a kind of weightlessness, and 'ungroundedness' in a person or project, which leads to a desire to avoid or disregard them.
add a comment |
Triviality
The ODO definition of 'triviality' states:
Lack of seriousness or importance; insignificance.
Here are ODO examples of usage:
‘the mediocrity and triviality of current popular culture’
‘the relentlessness of his triviality is grating’
So in your examples, we might have:
We need to undertake this project without triviality,
He carried himself in a trivial fashion.
What you are getting at is, I think, a kind of weightlessness, and 'ungroundedness' in a person or project, which leads to a desire to avoid or disregard them.
add a comment |
Triviality
The ODO definition of 'triviality' states:
Lack of seriousness or importance; insignificance.
Here are ODO examples of usage:
‘the mediocrity and triviality of current popular culture’
‘the relentlessness of his triviality is grating’
So in your examples, we might have:
We need to undertake this project without triviality,
He carried himself in a trivial fashion.
What you are getting at is, I think, a kind of weightlessness, and 'ungroundedness' in a person or project, which leads to a desire to avoid or disregard them.
Triviality
The ODO definition of 'triviality' states:
Lack of seriousness or importance; insignificance.
Here are ODO examples of usage:
‘the mediocrity and triviality of current popular culture’
‘the relentlessness of his triviality is grating’
So in your examples, we might have:
We need to undertake this project without triviality,
He carried himself in a trivial fashion.
What you are getting at is, I think, a kind of weightlessness, and 'ungroundedness' in a person or project, which leads to a desire to avoid or disregard them.
answered 2 days ago
EleventhDoctorEleventhDoctor
2,57411328
2,57411328
add a comment |
add a comment |
How about vacuity, silliness, or buffoonery?
foolishness, senselessness
– Daniel
2 days ago
insincerity, flakiness, fishiness
– Daniel
2 days ago
1
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., dictionary definitions for your suggestions.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
1
I think 'vacuity' might be the best answer of all. But it needs somebody to propose it with a dictionary definition, usage example etc.
– EleventhDoctor
yesterday
add a comment |
How about vacuity, silliness, or buffoonery?
foolishness, senselessness
– Daniel
2 days ago
insincerity, flakiness, fishiness
– Daniel
2 days ago
1
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., dictionary definitions for your suggestions.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
1
I think 'vacuity' might be the best answer of all. But it needs somebody to propose it with a dictionary definition, usage example etc.
– EleventhDoctor
yesterday
add a comment |
How about vacuity, silliness, or buffoonery?
How about vacuity, silliness, or buffoonery?
answered 2 days ago
nanomannanoman
1853
1853
foolishness, senselessness
– Daniel
2 days ago
insincerity, flakiness, fishiness
– Daniel
2 days ago
1
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., dictionary definitions for your suggestions.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
1
I think 'vacuity' might be the best answer of all. But it needs somebody to propose it with a dictionary definition, usage example etc.
– EleventhDoctor
yesterday
add a comment |
foolishness, senselessness
– Daniel
2 days ago
insincerity, flakiness, fishiness
– Daniel
2 days ago
1
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., dictionary definitions for your suggestions.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
1
I think 'vacuity' might be the best answer of all. But it needs somebody to propose it with a dictionary definition, usage example etc.
– EleventhDoctor
yesterday
foolishness, senselessness
– Daniel
2 days ago
foolishness, senselessness
– Daniel
2 days ago
insincerity, flakiness, fishiness
– Daniel
2 days ago
insincerity, flakiness, fishiness
– Daniel
2 days ago
1
1
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., dictionary definitions for your suggestions.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., dictionary definitions for your suggestions.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
1
1
I think 'vacuity' might be the best answer of all. But it needs somebody to propose it with a dictionary definition, usage example etc.
– EleventhDoctor
yesterday
I think 'vacuity' might be the best answer of all. But it needs somebody to propose it with a dictionary definition, usage example etc.
– EleventhDoctor
yesterday
add a comment |
This is taken to mean seriousness.
[...]
There's another sense of the word, as the quality of a person having gravitas. In this case, the things they say and do are given significance because of gravitas.
The specific use of "gravitas", this sense of possessing gravitas lending weight or importance to a person leads me to believe you may be extending the meaning of the phrase "air of gravitas" to "gravitas" itself. I therefore believe you are looking for
insignificance, the quality or state of being insignificant, which is itself defined as
not significant: such as
a : lacking meaning or import
b : small in size, quantity, or number
c : not worth considering : unimportant
d : lacking weight, position, or influence : contemptible
(Merriam-Webster)
To put it in context from your question:
What if what someone has to say is automatically disregarded because
of their insignificance?
New contributor
add a comment |
This is taken to mean seriousness.
[...]
There's another sense of the word, as the quality of a person having gravitas. In this case, the things they say and do are given significance because of gravitas.
The specific use of "gravitas", this sense of possessing gravitas lending weight or importance to a person leads me to believe you may be extending the meaning of the phrase "air of gravitas" to "gravitas" itself. I therefore believe you are looking for
insignificance, the quality or state of being insignificant, which is itself defined as
not significant: such as
a : lacking meaning or import
b : small in size, quantity, or number
c : not worth considering : unimportant
d : lacking weight, position, or influence : contemptible
(Merriam-Webster)
To put it in context from your question:
What if what someone has to say is automatically disregarded because
of their insignificance?
New contributor
add a comment |
This is taken to mean seriousness.
[...]
There's another sense of the word, as the quality of a person having gravitas. In this case, the things they say and do are given significance because of gravitas.
The specific use of "gravitas", this sense of possessing gravitas lending weight or importance to a person leads me to believe you may be extending the meaning of the phrase "air of gravitas" to "gravitas" itself. I therefore believe you are looking for
insignificance, the quality or state of being insignificant, which is itself defined as
not significant: such as
a : lacking meaning or import
b : small in size, quantity, or number
c : not worth considering : unimportant
d : lacking weight, position, or influence : contemptible
(Merriam-Webster)
To put it in context from your question:
What if what someone has to say is automatically disregarded because
of their insignificance?
New contributor
This is taken to mean seriousness.
[...]
There's another sense of the word, as the quality of a person having gravitas. In this case, the things they say and do are given significance because of gravitas.
The specific use of "gravitas", this sense of possessing gravitas lending weight or importance to a person leads me to believe you may be extending the meaning of the phrase "air of gravitas" to "gravitas" itself. I therefore believe you are looking for
insignificance, the quality or state of being insignificant, which is itself defined as
not significant: such as
a : lacking meaning or import
b : small in size, quantity, or number
c : not worth considering : unimportant
d : lacking weight, position, or influence : contemptible
(Merriam-Webster)
To put it in context from your question:
What if what someone has to say is automatically disregarded because
of their insignificance?
New contributor
New contributor
answered 2 days ago
Jon HarperJon Harper
1213
1213
New contributor
New contributor
add a comment |
add a comment |
I'd like to suggest inane, inanity.
Google tells me about inane:
mid 16th century: from Latin inanis ‘empty, vain’.
Inanity (From merriam-webster)
the quality or state of being inane: such as
a : lack of substance : emptiness
b : vapid, pointless, or fatuous character : shallowness
add a comment |
I'd like to suggest inane, inanity.
Google tells me about inane:
mid 16th century: from Latin inanis ‘empty, vain’.
Inanity (From merriam-webster)
the quality or state of being inane: such as
a : lack of substance : emptiness
b : vapid, pointless, or fatuous character : shallowness
add a comment |
I'd like to suggest inane, inanity.
Google tells me about inane:
mid 16th century: from Latin inanis ‘empty, vain’.
Inanity (From merriam-webster)
the quality or state of being inane: such as
a : lack of substance : emptiness
b : vapid, pointless, or fatuous character : shallowness
I'd like to suggest inane, inanity.
Google tells me about inane:
mid 16th century: from Latin inanis ‘empty, vain’.
Inanity (From merriam-webster)
the quality or state of being inane: such as
a : lack of substance : emptiness
b : vapid, pointless, or fatuous character : shallowness
answered 2 days ago
Captain GiraffeCaptain Giraffe
2161211
2161211
add a comment |
add a comment |
Lightweight.
From the Oxford Am.Dictionary:
2
• informal a person of little importance or influence, especially in a particular sphere: he was regarded as a political lightweight.
add a comment |
Lightweight.
From the Oxford Am.Dictionary:
2
• informal a person of little importance or influence, especially in a particular sphere: he was regarded as a political lightweight.
add a comment |
Lightweight.
From the Oxford Am.Dictionary:
2
• informal a person of little importance or influence, especially in a particular sphere: he was regarded as a political lightweight.
Lightweight.
From the Oxford Am.Dictionary:
2
• informal a person of little importance or influence, especially in a particular sphere: he was regarded as a political lightweight.
answered yesterday
user26732user26732
31913
31913
add a comment |
add a comment |
Consider: mercuriality.
mercuriality
- the state or quality of having a lively, fickle, volatile, or erratic attitude or character.
- an instance of such behavior. — mercurial, adj.
The Free Dictionary.
2
I don't think that fits. While a mercurial temperament is lacking in gravitas, it isn't a polar opposite -- "gravitas" doesn't imply a decisive, slow-moving, or predictable nature, nor does "mercurial" imply frivolity.
– duskwuff
Mar 25 at 19:34
add a comment |
Consider: mercuriality.
mercuriality
- the state or quality of having a lively, fickle, volatile, or erratic attitude or character.
- an instance of such behavior. — mercurial, adj.
The Free Dictionary.
2
I don't think that fits. While a mercurial temperament is lacking in gravitas, it isn't a polar opposite -- "gravitas" doesn't imply a decisive, slow-moving, or predictable nature, nor does "mercurial" imply frivolity.
– duskwuff
Mar 25 at 19:34
add a comment |
Consider: mercuriality.
mercuriality
- the state or quality of having a lively, fickle, volatile, or erratic attitude or character.
- an instance of such behavior. — mercurial, adj.
The Free Dictionary.
Consider: mercuriality.
mercuriality
- the state or quality of having a lively, fickle, volatile, or erratic attitude or character.
- an instance of such behavior. — mercurial, adj.
The Free Dictionary.
answered Mar 25 at 16:28
Daniel R. CollinsDaniel R. Collins
904418
904418
2
I don't think that fits. While a mercurial temperament is lacking in gravitas, it isn't a polar opposite -- "gravitas" doesn't imply a decisive, slow-moving, or predictable nature, nor does "mercurial" imply frivolity.
– duskwuff
Mar 25 at 19:34
add a comment |
2
I don't think that fits. While a mercurial temperament is lacking in gravitas, it isn't a polar opposite -- "gravitas" doesn't imply a decisive, slow-moving, or predictable nature, nor does "mercurial" imply frivolity.
– duskwuff
Mar 25 at 19:34
2
2
I don't think that fits. While a mercurial temperament is lacking in gravitas, it isn't a polar opposite -- "gravitas" doesn't imply a decisive, slow-moving, or predictable nature, nor does "mercurial" imply frivolity.
– duskwuff
Mar 25 at 19:34
I don't think that fits. While a mercurial temperament is lacking in gravitas, it isn't a polar opposite -- "gravitas" doesn't imply a decisive, slow-moving, or predictable nature, nor does "mercurial" imply frivolity.
– duskwuff
Mar 25 at 19:34
add a comment |
Perhaps 'foppery'? aka: foolish character or action
"The entire exercise was laden with foppery, and as a result lacked any sense of gravitas."
Depending on the actual sentence structure, it could be 'foppish'.
"Nobody will listen to me, I'm far too foppish."
That's over the moon here,isn't it? :)
– Lambie
Mar 25 at 16:00
Seriously check this word in urbandictionary.com before you use it about a co-worker!
– CCTO
Mar 25 at 16:47
@CCTO I couldn't find an entry for 'foppery' in urban dictionary, and similar entries for words starting with 'fop' don't seem widely used. 'foppish' does have an entry meaning basically 'effeminate'
– Daniel
2 days ago
@Daniel: you are right, I was sloppy. It's the form "foppish" that's in urbandictionary, confirming my initial reaction that "foppery" would, by many speakers, be taken to imply effeminacy. The actual form "foppery" may be less common, in any usage, but I'd be prepared for many people to apply the same idea.
– CCTO
9 hours ago
add a comment |
Perhaps 'foppery'? aka: foolish character or action
"The entire exercise was laden with foppery, and as a result lacked any sense of gravitas."
Depending on the actual sentence structure, it could be 'foppish'.
"Nobody will listen to me, I'm far too foppish."
That's over the moon here,isn't it? :)
– Lambie
Mar 25 at 16:00
Seriously check this word in urbandictionary.com before you use it about a co-worker!
– CCTO
Mar 25 at 16:47
@CCTO I couldn't find an entry for 'foppery' in urban dictionary, and similar entries for words starting with 'fop' don't seem widely used. 'foppish' does have an entry meaning basically 'effeminate'
– Daniel
2 days ago
@Daniel: you are right, I was sloppy. It's the form "foppish" that's in urbandictionary, confirming my initial reaction that "foppery" would, by many speakers, be taken to imply effeminacy. The actual form "foppery" may be less common, in any usage, but I'd be prepared for many people to apply the same idea.
– CCTO
9 hours ago
add a comment |
Perhaps 'foppery'? aka: foolish character or action
"The entire exercise was laden with foppery, and as a result lacked any sense of gravitas."
Depending on the actual sentence structure, it could be 'foppish'.
"Nobody will listen to me, I'm far too foppish."
Perhaps 'foppery'? aka: foolish character or action
"The entire exercise was laden with foppery, and as a result lacked any sense of gravitas."
Depending on the actual sentence structure, it could be 'foppish'.
"Nobody will listen to me, I'm far too foppish."
edited 2 days ago
Sven Yargs
115k20249507
115k20249507
answered Mar 25 at 15:41
Theo BrinkmanTheo Brinkman
1391
1391
That's over the moon here,isn't it? :)
– Lambie
Mar 25 at 16:00
Seriously check this word in urbandictionary.com before you use it about a co-worker!
– CCTO
Mar 25 at 16:47
@CCTO I couldn't find an entry for 'foppery' in urban dictionary, and similar entries for words starting with 'fop' don't seem widely used. 'foppish' does have an entry meaning basically 'effeminate'
– Daniel
2 days ago
@Daniel: you are right, I was sloppy. It's the form "foppish" that's in urbandictionary, confirming my initial reaction that "foppery" would, by many speakers, be taken to imply effeminacy. The actual form "foppery" may be less common, in any usage, but I'd be prepared for many people to apply the same idea.
– CCTO
9 hours ago
add a comment |
That's over the moon here,isn't it? :)
– Lambie
Mar 25 at 16:00
Seriously check this word in urbandictionary.com before you use it about a co-worker!
– CCTO
Mar 25 at 16:47
@CCTO I couldn't find an entry for 'foppery' in urban dictionary, and similar entries for words starting with 'fop' don't seem widely used. 'foppish' does have an entry meaning basically 'effeminate'
– Daniel
2 days ago
@Daniel: you are right, I was sloppy. It's the form "foppish" that's in urbandictionary, confirming my initial reaction that "foppery" would, by many speakers, be taken to imply effeminacy. The actual form "foppery" may be less common, in any usage, but I'd be prepared for many people to apply the same idea.
– CCTO
9 hours ago
That's over the moon here,isn't it? :)
– Lambie
Mar 25 at 16:00
That's over the moon here,isn't it? :)
– Lambie
Mar 25 at 16:00
Seriously check this word in urbandictionary.com before you use it about a co-worker!
– CCTO
Mar 25 at 16:47
Seriously check this word in urbandictionary.com before you use it about a co-worker!
– CCTO
Mar 25 at 16:47
@CCTO I couldn't find an entry for 'foppery' in urban dictionary, and similar entries for words starting with 'fop' don't seem widely used. 'foppish' does have an entry meaning basically 'effeminate'
– Daniel
2 days ago
@CCTO I couldn't find an entry for 'foppery' in urban dictionary, and similar entries for words starting with 'fop' don't seem widely used. 'foppish' does have an entry meaning basically 'effeminate'
– Daniel
2 days ago
@Daniel: you are right, I was sloppy. It's the form "foppish" that's in urbandictionary, confirming my initial reaction that "foppery" would, by many speakers, be taken to imply effeminacy. The actual form "foppery" may be less common, in any usage, but I'd be prepared for many people to apply the same idea.
– CCTO
9 hours ago
@Daniel: you are right, I was sloppy. It's the form "foppish" that's in urbandictionary, confirming my initial reaction that "foppery" would, by many speakers, be taken to imply effeminacy. The actual form "foppery" may be less common, in any usage, but I'd be prepared for many people to apply the same idea.
– CCTO
9 hours ago
add a comment |
As far as attractive force is concerned, the obvious opposite is
repulsiveness
An easier word that better fits the theme of levity (proposed above) would be
ease
The opposite of a grave situation that may be potentially underestimated with regards to its gravitas, would be an easy situation, after all.
add a comment |
As far as attractive force is concerned, the obvious opposite is
repulsiveness
An easier word that better fits the theme of levity (proposed above) would be
ease
The opposite of a grave situation that may be potentially underestimated with regards to its gravitas, would be an easy situation, after all.
add a comment |
As far as attractive force is concerned, the obvious opposite is
repulsiveness
An easier word that better fits the theme of levity (proposed above) would be
ease
The opposite of a grave situation that may be potentially underestimated with regards to its gravitas, would be an easy situation, after all.
As far as attractive force is concerned, the obvious opposite is
repulsiveness
An easier word that better fits the theme of levity (proposed above) would be
ease
The opposite of a grave situation that may be potentially underestimated with regards to its gravitas, would be an easy situation, after all.
answered 2 days ago
vectoryvectory
22510
22510
add a comment |
add a comment |
In the case of gravitas in your example, the gravitas is a externally perceived quality of the person in question.
Insignificance would be the opposite of the meaning of gravitas in your example. The problem with this, at least for me:
- What she says carries a lot of weight, because of her gravitas.
- What she says is automatically disregarded, because of her insignificance.
In 1., the attribution is implicitly a perception, while in 2. i'd understand it as a statement of fact, i.e the person is perceived to be X versus the person is X
So i would add another word (slightly violating your single-word tag);
"What she says is automatically disregarded, because of her perceived insignificance."
or
"What she says is automatically disregarded, because she is perceived as insignificant."
add a comment |
In the case of gravitas in your example, the gravitas is a externally perceived quality of the person in question.
Insignificance would be the opposite of the meaning of gravitas in your example. The problem with this, at least for me:
- What she says carries a lot of weight, because of her gravitas.
- What she says is automatically disregarded, because of her insignificance.
In 1., the attribution is implicitly a perception, while in 2. i'd understand it as a statement of fact, i.e the person is perceived to be X versus the person is X
So i would add another word (slightly violating your single-word tag);
"What she says is automatically disregarded, because of her perceived insignificance."
or
"What she says is automatically disregarded, because she is perceived as insignificant."
add a comment |
In the case of gravitas in your example, the gravitas is a externally perceived quality of the person in question.
Insignificance would be the opposite of the meaning of gravitas in your example. The problem with this, at least for me:
- What she says carries a lot of weight, because of her gravitas.
- What she says is automatically disregarded, because of her insignificance.
In 1., the attribution is implicitly a perception, while in 2. i'd understand it as a statement of fact, i.e the person is perceived to be X versus the person is X
So i would add another word (slightly violating your single-word tag);
"What she says is automatically disregarded, because of her perceived insignificance."
or
"What she says is automatically disregarded, because she is perceived as insignificant."
In the case of gravitas in your example, the gravitas is a externally perceived quality of the person in question.
Insignificance would be the opposite of the meaning of gravitas in your example. The problem with this, at least for me:
- What she says carries a lot of weight, because of her gravitas.
- What she says is automatically disregarded, because of her insignificance.
In 1., the attribution is implicitly a perception, while in 2. i'd understand it as a statement of fact, i.e the person is perceived to be X versus the person is X
So i would add another word (slightly violating your single-word tag);
"What she says is automatically disregarded, because of her perceived insignificance."
or
"What she says is automatically disregarded, because she is perceived as insignificant."
answered 16 hours ago
loonquawlloonquawl
405118
405118
add a comment |
add a comment |
I don't think this can be answered with only one word, honestly.
The media uses gravitas to describe politicians who have a lot of respect or political sway with other politicians even. I wouldn't use any of the words listed above to describe a human being who had the opposite of gravitas. I would call him/her feckless, when the object is a human.
If the object is an object, I agree with frivolous or the other antonyms listed here.
New contributor
add a comment |
I don't think this can be answered with only one word, honestly.
The media uses gravitas to describe politicians who have a lot of respect or political sway with other politicians even. I wouldn't use any of the words listed above to describe a human being who had the opposite of gravitas. I would call him/her feckless, when the object is a human.
If the object is an object, I agree with frivolous or the other antonyms listed here.
New contributor
add a comment |
I don't think this can be answered with only one word, honestly.
The media uses gravitas to describe politicians who have a lot of respect or political sway with other politicians even. I wouldn't use any of the words listed above to describe a human being who had the opposite of gravitas. I would call him/her feckless, when the object is a human.
If the object is an object, I agree with frivolous or the other antonyms listed here.
New contributor
I don't think this can be answered with only one word, honestly.
The media uses gravitas to describe politicians who have a lot of respect or political sway with other politicians even. I wouldn't use any of the words listed above to describe a human being who had the opposite of gravitas. I would call him/her feckless, when the object is a human.
If the object is an object, I agree with frivolous or the other antonyms listed here.
New contributor
edited 2 days ago
V2Blast
17529
17529
New contributor
answered Mar 25 at 19:09
user197001user197001
172
172
New contributor
New contributor
add a comment |
add a comment |
What about the rather simple word lightheartedness which would be the noun form of the adjective lighthearted? Gravitas essentially means seriousness of manner in approaching things. Well, dealing with things in a lighthearted manner sounds almost exactly like the opposite of that. The Cambridge Dictionary defines lighthearted as happy and not serious. In other words, we technically could say that a person who is lighthearted lacks gravitas.
Example sentence:
He is a man of gravitas. Approaching problems in a lighthearted manner is not one of his traits.
add a comment |
What about the rather simple word lightheartedness which would be the noun form of the adjective lighthearted? Gravitas essentially means seriousness of manner in approaching things. Well, dealing with things in a lighthearted manner sounds almost exactly like the opposite of that. The Cambridge Dictionary defines lighthearted as happy and not serious. In other words, we technically could say that a person who is lighthearted lacks gravitas.
Example sentence:
He is a man of gravitas. Approaching problems in a lighthearted manner is not one of his traits.
add a comment |
What about the rather simple word lightheartedness which would be the noun form of the adjective lighthearted? Gravitas essentially means seriousness of manner in approaching things. Well, dealing with things in a lighthearted manner sounds almost exactly like the opposite of that. The Cambridge Dictionary defines lighthearted as happy and not serious. In other words, we technically could say that a person who is lighthearted lacks gravitas.
Example sentence:
He is a man of gravitas. Approaching problems in a lighthearted manner is not one of his traits.
What about the rather simple word lightheartedness which would be the noun form of the adjective lighthearted? Gravitas essentially means seriousness of manner in approaching things. Well, dealing with things in a lighthearted manner sounds almost exactly like the opposite of that. The Cambridge Dictionary defines lighthearted as happy and not serious. In other words, we technically could say that a person who is lighthearted lacks gravitas.
Example sentence:
He is a man of gravitas. Approaching problems in a lighthearted manner is not one of his traits.
answered yesterday
Mike RMike R
4,99121843
4,99121843
add a comment |
add a comment |
I would suggest Trumpishness. Maybe not common use yet, but it will be. Someone recently said "out-Nixoned Nixon". Everybody knew what that meant.
New contributor
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., a dictionary definition for your suggestion.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
@V2Blast Firstly, please don't go posting comments beginning "You should ...". Secondly, some words are buildable from freely applicable morphemes and these words more often than not don't appear in dictionaries.
– Araucaria
2 days ago
@Araucaria: I could just as easily make up a new word and suggest that instead, but it wouldn't be a good answer if it was entirely unsupported as this answer is.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
This is a site for linguists and therefore the valid and creative use of the freely productive morpheme will be both appreciated and readily understood and therefore this needs no other suppport than its own existence.
– Araucaria
2 days ago
add a comment |
I would suggest Trumpishness. Maybe not common use yet, but it will be. Someone recently said "out-Nixoned Nixon". Everybody knew what that meant.
New contributor
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., a dictionary definition for your suggestion.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
@V2Blast Firstly, please don't go posting comments beginning "You should ...". Secondly, some words are buildable from freely applicable morphemes and these words more often than not don't appear in dictionaries.
– Araucaria
2 days ago
@Araucaria: I could just as easily make up a new word and suggest that instead, but it wouldn't be a good answer if it was entirely unsupported as this answer is.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
This is a site for linguists and therefore the valid and creative use of the freely productive morpheme will be both appreciated and readily understood and therefore this needs no other suppport than its own existence.
– Araucaria
2 days ago
add a comment |
I would suggest Trumpishness. Maybe not common use yet, but it will be. Someone recently said "out-Nixoned Nixon". Everybody knew what that meant.
New contributor
I would suggest Trumpishness. Maybe not common use yet, but it will be. Someone recently said "out-Nixoned Nixon". Everybody knew what that meant.
New contributor
New contributor
answered 2 days ago
user341579user341579
211
211
New contributor
New contributor
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., a dictionary definition for your suggestion.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
@V2Blast Firstly, please don't go posting comments beginning "You should ...". Secondly, some words are buildable from freely applicable morphemes and these words more often than not don't appear in dictionaries.
– Araucaria
2 days ago
@Araucaria: I could just as easily make up a new word and suggest that instead, but it wouldn't be a good answer if it was entirely unsupported as this answer is.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
This is a site for linguists and therefore the valid and creative use of the freely productive morpheme will be both appreciated and readily understood and therefore this needs no other suppport than its own existence.
– Araucaria
2 days ago
add a comment |
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., a dictionary definition for your suggestion.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
@V2Blast Firstly, please don't go posting comments beginning "You should ...". Secondly, some words are buildable from freely applicable morphemes and these words more often than not don't appear in dictionaries.
– Araucaria
2 days ago
@Araucaria: I could just as easily make up a new word and suggest that instead, but it wouldn't be a good answer if it was entirely unsupported as this answer is.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
This is a site for linguists and therefore the valid and creative use of the freely productive morpheme will be both appreciated and readily understood and therefore this needs no other suppport than its own existence.
– Araucaria
2 days ago
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., a dictionary definition for your suggestion.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., a dictionary definition for your suggestion.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
@V2Blast Firstly, please don't go posting comments beginning "You should ...". Secondly, some words are buildable from freely applicable morphemes and these words more often than not don't appear in dictionaries.
– Araucaria
2 days ago
@V2Blast Firstly, please don't go posting comments beginning "You should ...". Secondly, some words are buildable from freely applicable morphemes and these words more often than not don't appear in dictionaries.
– Araucaria
2 days ago
@Araucaria: I could just as easily make up a new word and suggest that instead, but it wouldn't be a good answer if it was entirely unsupported as this answer is.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
@Araucaria: I could just as easily make up a new word and suggest that instead, but it wouldn't be a good answer if it was entirely unsupported as this answer is.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
This is a site for linguists and therefore the valid and creative use of the freely productive morpheme will be both appreciated and readily understood and therefore this needs no other suppport than its own existence.
– Araucaria
2 days ago
This is a site for linguists and therefore the valid and creative use of the freely productive morpheme will be both appreciated and readily understood and therefore this needs no other suppport than its own existence.
– Araucaria
2 days ago
add a comment |
A favorite phrase I have seen used to describe people with the opposite of gravitas is to call them, basically a non-entity.
I think the description best suited to your needs is Mundane meaning supremely ordinary.
New contributor
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., dictionary definitions for your suggestions.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
add a comment |
A favorite phrase I have seen used to describe people with the opposite of gravitas is to call them, basically a non-entity.
I think the description best suited to your needs is Mundane meaning supremely ordinary.
New contributor
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., dictionary definitions for your suggestions.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
add a comment |
A favorite phrase I have seen used to describe people with the opposite of gravitas is to call them, basically a non-entity.
I think the description best suited to your needs is Mundane meaning supremely ordinary.
New contributor
A favorite phrase I have seen used to describe people with the opposite of gravitas is to call them, basically a non-entity.
I think the description best suited to your needs is Mundane meaning supremely ordinary.
New contributor
New contributor
answered Mar 25 at 17:15
ElliotElliot
251
251
New contributor
New contributor
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., dictionary definitions for your suggestions.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
add a comment |
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., dictionary definitions for your suggestions.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., dictionary definitions for your suggestions.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
You should support your answer by citing, e.g., dictionary definitions for your suggestions.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
add a comment |
protected by tchrist♦ 2 days ago
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?
73
I wish the answer was "anti-gravitas"...
– Pam
Mar 25 at 14:29
1
It might be helpful to provide example sentences where your particular sense is used. As I read your question, the example sentences you show are of a sense you don't want. -- I'm also unclear on the distinction in senses you seem to be making. You might want to clarify that, and example sentences of each (clearly labeled) can help.
– R.M.
Mar 25 at 15:10
5
@Lambie I'd say 'gravitas' is a fairly old-fashioned word.
– AJFaraday
Mar 25 at 16:00
4
"flibbertigibbetosity"
– Greg Lee
Mar 25 at 16:33
2
Maybe it’s flibbertigibbetas
– Jim
Mar 25 at 18:36