lev-, levi-

Someone who seems to be able to raise bodies from the ground with apparently spiritualistic means: The visitors at the amusement park were very skeptical of the levitator who claimed that he could cause a person to float in the air above the ground just by using his supernatural powers.

1. An inappropriate lack of seriousness: The teacher wouldn't tolerate any levities by her students; especially, when she was trying to explain important issues in her classroom.
2. Having attitudes that are light-hearted or unseemly joking regarding serious matters: When Haley fell on the slippery sidewalk, the guys laughed with inappropriate levity.

One participant introduced an amusing quality or levity during the discussion about possible job losses and his jokes provided the only levities in an otherwise dull and boring night.

3. Etymology: from Latin levitas, "lightness".
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An amount of money which must be paid and that is collected by a government or some other authority: Like it or not, the governor of the state decided to impose an additional levy of tax on gasoline.

1. Using a legal authority to demand and to collect a fine, a tax, etc.: The congress voted to levy an additional charge for imports.

The city is levying a new surcharge on cigarettes.

2. To seize property in accordance with a legal ruling: The court has levied the transfer of the company to a new manager. © ALL rights are reserved.

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1. The relation of or connection of something to a matter at hand: Jake was told that his question had no relevancy to the discussion that was going on by the committee.
2. Something that has a definite or obvious relation to a recognizable connection: The judge declared that the new information that the lawyer submitted had absolutely no relevancy to the legal case.

The defense attorney presented several relevancies of evidence that could release the defendant from jail.

1. A reference to something that has been directly connected with and important to what is being discussed or considered: The relevant suggestions and observations that were written in the book have been an inspiration for many people.
2. Relating to a subject in an appropriate way: Shirley was asked if she had any relevant experience that could be applied to the job that she was applying for. © ALL rights are reserved.

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In a manner that is directly related to, connected to, or pertinent to a topic or situation: Jane's mother provided some relevantly important data concerning her daughter's previous medical condition.

Henry told a humorous story which was relevantly applicable to what was going on at the company.

1. A pleasant and relaxed feeling that a person has from anxiety or tension: The residents in the village expressed a sense of relief that the tornado didn't destroy their homes.
2. Things, often food, money, or medicines that are given to help people who are victims of a war, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, etc.: Countries from around the world have been providing all kinds of relief to the survivors of natural disasters.
3. A way of decorating wood, stone, metal, etc. with designs that stick out above the surface: Some special coins have reliefs of special people on them.
4. A work of art with pictures or sculptures which protrude out above the outer parts: There are many designs that are exact replicas of statues and reliefs found in some ancient buildings.
5. The removal or reduction of anything which is painful or unpleasant: Margaret went to the doctor to get relief from her severe headaches.

Many people find that exercise routines are a very good way to have a relief from stress.

1. Being without aid for the aged, indigent, or handicapped: Sam has been a reliefless person for many years while others have been supported by the benefits of others.
2. Not having any reduction of torment or the effects of an illness: The medication left Hank a reliefless patient which means that he continued to suffer despite the pain killers.

1. A reference to bringing alleviation of pain, distress, etc. to someone: The relievable therapy made it possible for Mildred to endure her tensions.
2. A descriptive term for a condition that makes something less unpleasant or not as stressful: Larry's positive attitudes made it possible for him to have a more relievable life.

1. To end, to decrease, or to provide a temporary break from something unpleasant; such as, pain, hunger, tension, or boredom: Monica used a special salve to relieve the discomfort in her elbows and knees.

Jim, what do you think is the best way to relieve stress?

2. To take something or to take things away from someone either by force of the law or by illegal means: After the thief relieved Erin of her purse, the police relieved him of his weapon and put him into jail.
3. To make a problem less serious: Now city officials need to come up with a way to relieve overcrowding in their schools.
4. To dismiss or to suspend someone from a job or a position: After a near crash of his aircraft, the captain was temporarily relieved of his position.

1. Something that takes away the severity of pain, stress, etc.: Patricia was convinced that an exercise routine at the fitness studio was a great reliever of physical and mental stress.
2. A person who or anything that reduces the intensity of stress or fears and who calms and pacifies those who are in bad situations: The personal trainer convinced Jacob that the best relievers of physical tensions and pains are regular physical activities.