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A2 noun #9,500 most common 9 min read

leviandade

Top 9,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips leviandade in 30 Seconds

Explanation leviandade in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'leviandade' yourself, but you should recognize that it means 'not being serious' or 'acting like a child.' Imagine someone who laughs at a funeral or forgets a very important promise. That is 'leviandade.' In English, we might say 'silliness' or 'being irresponsible.' In Portuguese, people use this word when they are a bit angry or disappointed because someone didn't take a situation seriously. For now, just remember: Leviandade = Not Serious / Bad Behavior. If you see it in a book, know that the person being described is likely making a mistake because they are not thinking carefully. It is a feminine word, so we say 'a leviandade.'

At the A2 level, you can start to understand 'leviandade' as a way to describe people's actions. It's a noun that means 'thoughtlessness' or 'frivolity.' You might hear it in news stories or see it in simple stories. It's used when someone does something without thinking about the result. For example, if a student doesn't study for a big test and just plays games, a teacher might say they are acting with 'leviandade.' It's a useful word because it sounds more 'adult' than just saying someone is 'lazy' (preguiçoso). It focuses on the lack of attention and respect for the importance of the task. You will often see it with the verb 'cometer' (to commit), as in 'cometer uma leviandade.'

By B1, you should be able to use 'leviandade' to express your opinion about social or personal issues. It is a great word for discussing character. It implies a certain level of immaturity. If you are talking about a character in a movie who cheats on their partner, you could say they acted with 'leviandade' because they didn't value the relationship. It's also common in professional contexts to describe a lack of rigor. If someone gives a speech with many factual errors, you could call it a 'leviandade intelectual.' Remember the difference between 'leviandade' (bad lightness/irresponsibility) and 'leveza' (good lightness/grace). This is a common point of confusion for intermediate learners.

At the B2 level, you should appreciate the moral and social nuances of 'leviandade.' It is often used in political and social critiques in Brazil and Portugal. It suggests a reckless disregard for the truth or for the well-being of others. When a politician makes a grand promise without a plan to fund it, critics will call it 'leviandade política.' In your writing, use it to add a layer of sophistication when criticizing a lack of depth or responsibility. It's a noun that carries a lot of weight in arguments. You should also be familiar with the adjective 'leviano' (male) or 'leviana' (female), which describes the person who possesses 'leviandade.'

At the C1 level, you can use 'leviandade' to discuss complex literary themes or philosophical concepts. In Portuguese literature, 'leviandade' is often contrasted with 'gravidade' (gravity/seriousness) or 'compromisso' (commitment). It can describe a whole social class or a historical era characterized by superficiality. You should be able to detect the irony when a writer uses the word. It's also important in legal and formal Portuguese, where it can imply a specific type of negligence—one that isn't necessarily malicious but is nonetheless harmful due to a lack of due diligence. Your use of the word should reflect an understanding of its weight as a critique of character and societal values.

For C2 learners, 'leviandade' is a tool for precise and evocative expression. You can use it to dissect the subtle failings of a policy, a theory, or a person's life choices. It functions beautifully in essays to describe the 'frivolity of modern existence' or the 'thoughtlessness of digital interactions.' At this level, you should also be aware of its historical usage and how it has evolved from a simple description of physical lightness to a heavy moral judgment. You might use it in a phrase like 'a insustentável leviandade do ser' (the unbearable lightness of being), reflecting on how lightness can become a burden. Your mastery involves knowing exactly when this word provides the perfect sharp edge to a critique.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

leviandade in 30 Seconds

Leviandade is a noun meaning thoughtlessness, frivolity, or a lack of seriousness in one's actions and character.
It is a feminine noun ('a leviandade') and is almost always used as a negative critique of someone's behavior.
Commonly used in social, political, and romantic contexts to describe irresponsibility or fickle nature.
It comes from the Latin 'levis' (light), but implies a harmful type of lightness, unlike the positive 'leveza'.

The Portuguese word leviandade is a complex noun that carries a significant moral and social weight, far beyond its simple English translations like 'frivolity' or 'thoughtlessness.' At its core, it describes a specific type of character flaw or a momentary lapse in judgment characterized by a lack of seriousness, depth, or consideration for consequences. When a Portuguese speaker uses this word, they are often pointing out that someone is acting without the gravity that a situation requires. It is the opposite of 'seriedade' (seriousness) and 'ponderação' (thoughtfulness). Understanding this word is crucial for navigating social dynamics in Lusophone cultures, where the balance between 'leveza' (positive lightness) and 'leviandade' (negative superficiality) is a fine line often discussed in literature, news, and daily gossip.

The Moral Dimension: In a moral context, leviandade refers to a person's tendency to treat serious matters, such as relationships, promises, or professional duties, with a lack of respect or care. It implies a certain level of immaturity or a refusal to acknowledge the weight of one's actions on others.

Não podemos tratar um assunto tão sério com tanta leviandade, pois vidas estão em jogo.

Translation: We cannot treat such a serious matter with such thoughtlessness, as lives are at stake.

Social Context: Socially, calling someone 'leviano' (the adjective form) or accusing them of 'leviandade' is a sharp critique. It suggests that the person is fickle, unreliable, or prone to making decisions based on whims rather than logic or ethics. It is frequently heard in 'novelas' (soap operas) when a character betrays a partner or makes a reckless financial move.

A sua leviandade ao falar de segredos alheios destruiu muitas amizades.

Translation: Your recklessness in speaking of others' secrets destroyed many friendships.

Legal and Formal Use: In formal writing or legal contexts, leviandade can refer to 'negligence' or 'reckless disregard.' For instance, a judge might describe a witness's false testimony as a 'leviandade' if it was done without checking the facts, indicating a failure of civic duty.

O artigo foi escrito com uma leviandade jornalística imperdoável.

Translation: The article was written with an unforgivable journalistic thoughtlessness.

Agir com leviandade em tempos de crise é um erro fatal.

Translation: Acting with thoughtlessness in times of crisis is a fatal mistake.

Ela lamentou a leviandade da sua juventude.

Translation: She regretted the frivolity of her youth.

Using the word leviandade effectively requires an understanding of its grammatical role and its emotional coloring. As a noun, it functions as the subject or object of a sentence, often following verbs like 'cometer' (to commit), 'demonstrar' (to demonstrate), or 'evitar' (to avoid). It is frequently paired with the preposition 'com' to describe the manner in which an action was performed. When you use this word, you are making a value judgment. It is rarely neutral. To use it correctly, you must identify a situation where someone's lack of care has led to a negative outcome or a breach of social expectations.

As an Abstract Quality: When discussing personality traits, you might say someone is 'inclined to leviandade.' This suggests a persistent character trait rather than a single mistake. It describes a person who doesn't take life seriously enough.

A leviandade é uma característica que ele herdou do pai.

Translation: Frivolity is a trait he inherited from his father.

In Professional Critiques: In the workplace, the word is used to describe shoddy work or poor decision-making that stems from laziness or a lack of attention to detail. It is a more sophisticated way to say 'irresponsibility.'

O relatório foi rejeitado devido à leviandade dos dados apresentados.

Translation: The report was rejected due to the thoughtlessness of the presented data.

Describing Emotional Betrayal: In romantic contexts, 'leviandade' often refers to playing with someone's feelings. It implies that the person was not serious about the relationship and treated it like a game.

Ele tratou o coração dela com uma leviandade assustadora.

Translation: He treated her heart with frightening thoughtlessness.

Não confunda liberdade com leviandade.

Translation: Do not confuse freedom with thoughtlessness.

A leviandade das suas palavras feriu profundamente a família.

Translation: The thoughtlessness of your words deeply hurt the family.

You will encounter the word leviandade in a variety of settings, ranging from high-brow literature to the evening news. While it might seem like a 'fancy' word, it is quite common in certain registers of spoken Portuguese. One of the primary places you will hear it is in political commentary. Pundits often accuse politicians of 'leviandade' when they make promises they can't keep or when they handle public funds without proper oversight. It serves as a sophisticated way to call someone irresponsible or negligent without using overly aggressive slang.

In News and Journalism: Journalists use 'leviandade' to describe reckless behavior that leads to accidents or public scandals. For example, a driver speeding through a school zone might be accused of 'leviandade ao volante.' It highlights the moral failure of the action.

O apresentador criticou a leviandade do governo diante da pandemia.

Translation: The presenter criticized the government's thoughtlessness in the face of the pandemic.

In Literature and Philosophy: Portuguese literature is rich with themes of character and morality. Authors like Machado de Assis or Eça de Queirós frequently use 'leviandade' to describe the superficiality of the 19th-century bourgeoisie. In this context, it represents a lack of existential depth.

O romance explora a leviandade das relações sociais da época.

Translation: The novel explores the frivolity of the social relations of the time.

In Daily Conversations: While less common in slang-heavy street talk, you will hear it in middle-class and professional circles. It is often used during arguments or heart-to-heart talks when someone feels their feelings or efforts aren't being taken seriously.

Fiquei chocado com a leviandade com que ele pediu demissão.

Translation: I was shocked by the thoughtlessness with which he resigned.

A leviandade de um comentário pode destruir uma reputação.

Translation: The thoughtlessness of a single comment can destroy a reputation.

É preciso maturidade para reconhecer a própria leviandade.

Translation: It takes maturity to recognize one's own thoughtlessness.

Learning to use leviandade correctly involves avoiding several common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. Because the word has a root related to 'lightness,' there is a tendency to use it in contexts where 'leveza' (lightness/softness) would be more appropriate. Another common mistake is misjudging the severity of the word; it is more than just 'being silly.' It carries a weight of irresponsibility that can be quite offensive if misapplied.

Mistaking Leviandade for Leveza: 'Leveza' is a positive quality, like the lightness of a dancer or the effortless beauty of a sunset. 'Leviandade' is a negative quality, like a person who forgets to pick up their child from school because they were distracted by a game. Never use 'leviandade' when you mean 'graceful lightness.'

Errado: Adoro a leviandade daquela música. (Correct: Adoro a leveza...)

Translation: Wrong: I love the thoughtlessness of that song. (Correct: I love the lightness...)

Overusing it in Casual Jokes: If a friend makes a small joke, calling it 'leviandade' might be too strong. It sounds like a formal accusation. For minor silliness, use 'brincadeira' or 'bobeira' instead. Reserve 'leviandade' for situations where the lack of seriousness has consequences.

Não foi apenas uma brincadeira; foi uma leviandade perigosa.

Translation: It wasn't just a joke; it was a dangerous bit of thoughtlessness.

Confusing with Imprudência: While similar, 'imprudência' (imprudence) usually refers to physical risks or lack of caution in action. 'Leviandade' is more about the mental state or character trait of not taking things seriously. You can be imprudent without being 'leviano,' and vice versa.

A leviandade do réu foi clara durante o julgamento.

Translation: The defendant's thoughtlessness was clear during the trial.

Perdoe a minha leviandade; eu não deveria ter falado assim.

Translation: Forgive my thoughtlessness; I shouldn't have spoken like that.

A leviandade política é o câncer da democracia.

Translation: Political thoughtlessness is the cancer of democracy.

To truly master leviandade, you should understand how it compares to its synonyms and near-synonyms. Each word in this family has a slightly different flavor and use case. Knowing which one to pick will make your Portuguese sound more natural and precise. The Portuguese language is particularly rich in words that describe character flaws, reflecting a culture that values social awareness and personal integrity.

Leviandade vs. Inconsequência: 'Inconsequência' is very close but focuses specifically on the failure to consider the 'consequences' of an action. 'Leviandade' is broader, encompassing the general attitude of lightness and lack of seriousness.

Leviandade vs. Futilidade: 'Futilidade' refers to things that are useless or trivial. A person might be 'fútil' (frivolous) because they only care about clothes and makeup. 'Leviandade' is more about the irresponsibility of one's actions and decisions.

Há uma diferença entre ser alegre e agir com leviandade.

Translation: There is a difference between being cheerful and acting with thoughtlessness.

Leviandade vs. Irresponsabilidade: 'Irresponsabilidade' is a direct synonym but is more clinical and objective. 'Leviandade' has a more literary and moralizing tone. You might use 'irresponsabilidade' in a HR report, but 'leviandade' in a novel or a dramatic speech.

A sua leviandade é o que mais me decepciona.

Translation: Your thoughtlessness is what disappoints me the most.

Não podemos permitir que a leviandade guie nossas leis.

Translation: We cannot allow thoughtlessness to guide our laws.

A leviandade é o refúgio dos que não querem crescer.

Translation: Frivolity is the refuge of those who do not want to grow up.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word is a cognate of the English word 'levity' and 'levitate.' While 'levitate' is about floating, 'leviandade' is about your character 'floating' without the anchor of responsibility.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /le.vjɐ̃.ˈda.dɨ/

US /le.vjɐ̃.ˈda.dʒi/

The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable 'da'.

Rhymes With

Verdade Cidade Saudade Liberdade Amizade Qualidade Bondade Vaidade

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'v' like a 'b' (Spanish influence).
Failing to nasalize the 'jan' syllable.
Putting the stress on the last syllable instead of the 'da'.
Pronouncing the final 'de' as a hard 'day' (it should be 'dʒi' or 'dɨ').
Treating the 'i' as a separate syllable; it forms a diphthong with 'a'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in literature and news, but the meaning is usually clear from context.

Writing 6/5

Requires understanding of the moral nuance to use appropriately without sounding too harsh.

Speaking 7/5

Nasal vowels and the 'vj' diphthong can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 5/5

Easy to recognize once you know the root 'leviano'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Leve Sério Responsável Pessoa Ação

Learn Next

Inconsequência Imprudência Superficialidade Ponderação Rigor

Advanced

Ontológico Diletantismo Niilismo Ética Negligência

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -dade are feminine.

A leviandade, a felicidade, a cidade.

The suffix -dade creates abstract nouns from adjectives.

Leviano -> Leviandade; Belo -> Beldade.

Nasal vowels (an/am/en/em) must be pronounced through the nose.

The 'an' in leviandade is nasalized.

Adjectives must agree in gender with 'leviandade'.

Leviandade extrema (not extremo).

Preposition 'com' is often used to form adverbial phrases of manner.

Ele falou com leviandade.

Examples by Level

Ele tem muita leviandade.

He has a lot of thoughtlessness.

Uses 'muita' (feminine) because 'leviandade' is feminine.

A leviandade é ruim.

Thoughtlessness is bad.

Simple subject-predicate structure.

Não gosto de leviandade.

I don't like thoughtlessness.

Direct object of the verb 'gostar'.

Ela agiu com leviandade.

She acted with thoughtlessness.

Adverbial phrase 'com leviandade'.

Que leviandade!

What thoughtlessness!

Exclamatory use of 'que'.

É uma leviandade falar isso.

It is thoughtless to say that.

Infinitive phrase acting as the subject.

A leviandade dele é grande.

His thoughtlessness is big.

Possessive 'dele' follows the noun.

Muita leviandade traz problemas.

Much thoughtlessness brings problems.

Abstract noun as subject.

Cometer uma leviandade pode ser perigoso.

Committing a thoughtless act can be dangerous.

The verb 'cometer' is commonly used with 'leviandade'.

A leviandade dos jovens preocupa os pais.

The thoughtlessness of the youth worries parents.

Genitive construction 'dos jovens'.

Ele pediu desculpas pela sua leviandade.

He apologized for his thoughtlessness.

Preposition 'por' + article 'a' = 'pela'.

Não trate o trabalho com leviandade.

Don't treat work with thoughtlessness.

Imperative 'não trate'.

A leviandade dela causou o acidente.

Her thoughtlessness caused the accident.

Subject-verb-object structure.

Sua leviandade no trânsito foi multada.

His thoughtlessness in traffic was fined.

Passive voice 'foi multada'.

É preciso evitar a leviandade nas decisões.

It is necessary to avoid thoughtlessness in decisions.

Impersonal expression 'é preciso'.

A leviandade é o oposto da responsabilidade.

Thoughtlessness is the opposite of responsibility.

Comparison of two abstract nouns.

A leviandade com que ele trata os amigos é triste.

The thoughtlessness with which he treats friends is sad.

Relative clause 'com que'.

Sinto que há muita leviandade neste projeto.

I feel there is a lot of thoughtlessness in this project.

Existential 'há' (there is).

Ela foi criticada pela leviandade das suas afirmações.

She was criticized for the thoughtlessness of her statements.

Passive voice 'foi criticada'.

A leviandade nas redes sociais é um grande problema.

Thoughtlessness on social media is a big problem.

Prepositional phrase 'nas redes sociais'.

Precisamos de menos leviandade e mais ação.

We need less thoughtlessness and more action.

Comparison using 'menos' and 'mais'.

A leviandade de espírito pode ser fatal em tempos difíceis.

Frivolity of spirit can be fatal in difficult times.

The phrase 'leviandade de espírito' is a common collocation.

Ele demonstrou uma leviandade imperdoável.

He demonstrated an unforgivable thoughtlessness.

Adjective 'imperdoável' modifying 'leviandade'.

A leviandade não combina com a maturidade.

Thoughtlessness does not go well with maturity.

The verb 'combinar com' (to match/go with).

A leviandade política compromete o futuro da nação.

Political thoughtlessness compromises the nation's future.

Adjective 'política' modifying 'leviandade'.

O autor explora a leviandade da burguesia do século XIX.

The author explores the frivolity of the 19th-century bourgeoisie.

Historical/Literary context.

Não se pode acusar ninguém sem provas, isso seria uma leviandade.

One cannot accuse anyone without proof; that would be a thoughtless act.

Conditional 'seria'.

A leviandade com que o crime foi planejado facilitou a prisão.

The thoughtlessness with which the crime was planned facilitated the arrest.

Complex sentence with a relative clause.

Ela lamenta a leviandade dos seus anos de faculdade.

She regrets the frivolity of her college years.

Verb 'lamentar' followed by the noun phrase.

A leviandade jornalística pode destruir vidas inocentes.

Journalistic thoughtlessness can destroy innocent lives.

Compound subject 'leviandade jornalística'.

O juiz alertou para a leviandade do depoimento.

The judge warned about the thoughtlessness of the testimony.

Verb 'alertar para'.

A leviandade é, muitas vezes, uma máscara para a insegurança.

Thoughtlessness is often a mask for insecurity.

Metaphorical usage.

A insustentável leviandade do ser é um tema filosófico recorrente.

The unbearable lightness of being is a recurring philosophical theme.

Reference to Milan Kundera's famous title.

O discurso foi marcado por uma leviandade retórica desconcertante.

The speech was marked by a disconcerting rhetorical thoughtlessness.

High-level vocabulary like 'retórica' and 'desconcertante'.

A leviandade com que se descartam tradições milenares é preocupante.

The thoughtlessness with which ancient traditions are discarded is worrying.

Passive 'se' construction.

O crítico apontou a leviandade estética da obra contemporânea.

The critic pointed out the aesthetic frivolity of the contemporary work.

Academic register.

Agir com leviandade em questões éticas é um sinal de decadência.

Acting with thoughtlessness in ethical matters is a sign of decadence.

Gerund-like infinitive usage.

A leviandade das promessas eleitorais corrói a confiança pública.

The thoughtlessness of electoral promises erodes public trust.

Metaphorical verb 'corrói' (erodes).

A personagem principal oscila entre a gravidade e a leviandade.

The main character oscillates between gravity and frivolity.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

A leviandade é o subproduto de uma sociedade de consumo imediato.

Thoughtlessness is the byproduct of a society of immediate consumption.

Sociological context.

A leviandade, enquanto categoria ontológica, desafia a noção de responsabilidade individual.

Thoughtlessness, as an ontological category, challenges the notion of individual responsibility.

Extremely formal/academic register.

A prosa do autor é permeada por uma leviandade que beira o niilismo.

The author's prose is permeated by a frivolity that borders on nihilism.

Advanced literary criticism.

Não se deve confundir a leviandade diletante com a verdadeira liberdade criativa.

One should not confuse amateurish thoughtlessness with true creative freedom.

Use of 'diletante' (amateurish).

A leviandade com que a história é reescrita serve a propósitos ideológicos escusos.

The thoughtlessness with which history is rewritten serves hidden ideological purposes.

Political/Historical analysis.

A patologia da leviandade manifesta-se na incapacidade de sustentar vínculos afetivos.

The pathology of thoughtlessness manifests in the inability to sustain affective bonds.

Psychological/Sociological register.

A leviandade não é mera ausência de peso, mas uma recusa deliberada da profundidade.

Thoughtlessness is not a mere absence of weight, but a deliberate refusal of depth.

Philosophical paradox.

O escândalo revelou a leviandade sistêmica que assolava a instituição.

The scandal revealed the systemic thoughtlessness that plagued the institution.

Formal institutional critique.

Sua leviandade intelectual é o reflexo de uma educação fragmentada.

His intellectual thoughtlessness is the reflection of a fragmented education.

Advanced educational critique.

Common Collocations

Cometer uma leviandade

Agir com leviandade

Leviandade de espírito

Muita leviandade

Leviandade imperdoável

Acusação de leviandade

Cair na leviandade

Evitar a leviandade

Leviandade política

Demonstrar leviandade

Common Phrases

Não seja leviano.

— Don't be thoughtless. Used as a warning when someone says something without proof.

Não seja leviano ao acusar o seu colega.

Isso é uma leviandade.

— That is a thoughtless act. Used to dismiss a statement or action as irresponsible.

Dizer que não precisamos de médicos? Isso é uma leviandade!

Tratar com leviandade.

— To treat something with a lack of seriousness. Often used regarding emotions or duties.

Ela trata os sentimentos dos outros com leviandade.

Leviandade juvenil.

— Youthful thoughtlessness. A common excuse for mistakes made by young people.

Podemos perdoar isso como leviandade juvenil.

Fruto da leviandade.

— The result of thoughtlessness. Used to explain the origin of a problem.

A dívida foi fruto da sua leviandade financeira.

Com toda a leviandade.

— With complete thoughtlessness. Emphasizes the depth of the irresponsibility.

Ele assinou o contrato com toda a leviandade.

Uma certa leviandade.

— A certain degree of thoughtlessness. A slightly softer way to criticize.

Notei uma certa leviandade no seu comportamento ontem.

Pura leviandade.

— Pure thoughtlessness. Suggests there is no other reason for the action.

O que ele fez foi pura leviandade.

Agir por leviandade.

— To act out of thoughtlessness. Focuses on the motivation.

Ela não é má, apenas agiu por leviandade.

Leviandade de julgamento.

— Thoughtlessness of judgment. Used when someone makes a wrong decision quickly.

A leviandade de julgamento levou ao erro judiciário.

Often Confused With

leviandade vs Leveza

Leveza is positive (grace/lightness); Leviandade is negative (irresponsibility).

leviandade vs Liberdade

Liberdade is the right to act; Leviandade is acting without thinking of the cost.

leviandade vs Lentidão

Lentidão means slowness; it sounds slightly similar but has no relation to thoughtlessness.

Idioms & Expressions

"Levar a vida com leviandade"

— To live life without any worries or responsibilities, often to a fault. It implies a lack of ambition or care.

Ele sempre levou a vida com leviandade, e agora não tem nada.

Informal/Neutral

"Pagar pela leviandade"

— To suffer the consequences of one's thoughtless actions. It is a common moral warning.

Mais cedo ou mais tarde, você vai pagar pela sua leviandade.

Neutral

"Falar por leviandade"

— To speak without thinking or without having the facts, often causing trouble.

Não ligue para o que ele disse; ele falou por leviandade.

Neutral

"Leviandade de berço"

— Thoughtlessness that is seen as an inherent part of someone's upbringing or character from birth.

Infelizmente, a sua falta de modos é leviandade de berço.

Formal/Literary

"Capa de leviandade"

— A facade of frivolity used to hide deeper emotions or secrets.

Ela usava uma capa de leviandade para esconder sua tristeza.

Literary

"Mar de leviandades"

— A situation full of many thoughtless acts or irresponsible people.

A política local tornou-se um mar de leviandades.

Neutral

"Leviandade à flor da pele"

— Very obvious or superficial thoughtlessness; someone who is constantly acting without care.

Ele tem a leviandade à flor da pele.

Neutral

"O peso da leviandade"

— The ironic burden that comes from acting without seriousness.

Ele finalmente sentiu o peso da sua leviandade.

Literary

"Leviandade consentida"

— When people allow someone to act irresponsibly without correcting them.

A leviandade consentida na empresa levou à crise.

Formal

"Vento de leviandade"

— A sudden trend or moment of collective thoughtlessness.

Um vento de leviandade soprou sobre a cidade naquela noite.

Literary

Easily Confused

leviandade vs Leviano

It is the adjective form of the noun.

Leviano describes the person; Leviandade describes the quality or the act.

Ele é um homem leviano; sua leviandade é famosa.

leviandade vs Levino

Sounds similar.

Levino is a rare name or an archaic term; it has nothing to do with frivolity.

Não use 'levino' em vez de 'leviano'.

leviandade vs Alívio

Shares the same root 'levis'.

Alívio means relief (making a burden lighter); Leviandade means acting without weight.

Senti um alívio após confessar minha leviandade.

leviandade vs Elevado

Shares the same root 'levis'.

Elevado means high or noble; Leviandade means low or superficial.

Seu pensamento é elevado, sem qualquer leviandade.

leviandade vs Relevar

Shares the same root 'levis'.

Relevar means to overlook or forgive; Leviandade is the act that might need to be forgiven.

Vou relevar sua leviandade desta vez.

Sentence Patterns

A leviandade de [Pessoa] [Verbo] [Complemento].

A leviandade de João causou o erro.

Não se pode tratar [Assunto] com leviandade.

Não se pode tratar a educação com leviandade.

[Ação] foi uma leviandade que [Consequência].

Sair sem avisar foi uma leviandade que assustou a todos.

A leviandade com que se [Verbo Passivo] é [Adjetivo].

A leviandade com que se destroem florestas é alarmante.

Foi uma leviandade [Infinitivo].

Foi uma leviandade mentir para ela.

Sinto que há uma certa leviandade em [Lugar/Situação].

Sinto que há uma certa leviandade neste escritório.

Acusaram-no de leviandade por [Motivo].

Acusaram-no de leviandade por perder os documentos.

A leviandade, longe de ser [X], revela-se como [Y].

A leviandade, longe de ser liberdade, revela-se como prisão.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Medium. More common in written media and middle-class speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'leviandade' to mean 'gracefulness'. → Use 'leveza' instead.
Leviandade is always negative (thoughtless); leveza is positive (graceful).
Saying 'O leviandade'. → Say 'A leviandade'.
Nouns ending in -dade are always feminine.
Pronouncing 'jan' like the English name 'Jan'. → Use a nasal 'ã' sound.
Portuguese nasal vowels are distinct and don't end with the tongue on the roof of the mouth.
Confusing 'leviandade' with 'liberdade'. → Check the spelling and context.
Liberdade means freedom; they sound similar but have very different meanings.
Using 'leviandade' for physical weight. → Use 'leveza'.
Leviandade only refers to character and behavior, never to objects.

Tips

Choosing the right word

Use 'leviandade' when you want to criticize someone's character, not just a one-time mistake. It suggests a pattern of not taking things seriously.

Master the nasal sounds

The 'an' in 'leviandade' is crucial. If you don't nasalize it, you might be misunderstood. Practice with words like 'pão' or 'mão' first.

Feminine Agreement

Always remember it's 'A leviandade'. Any adjectives modifying it must also be feminine. 'Muita leviandade', not 'Muito leviandade'.

The Adjective Form

Learn 'leviano' (m) and 'leviana' (f) alongside the noun. You'll hear these even more often in daily conversation.

Novela Vocabulary

If you watch Brazilian soap operas, listen for this word during dramatic confrontations. It's a classic 'novela' word for betrayal.

Avoid direct insults

Calling a friend 'leviano' is quite strong. Unless you are truly angry, stick to 'você está brincando' (you're joking).

Legal and News contexts

If you're reading a Portuguese newspaper, 'leviandade' often appears in articles about government scandals or reckless behavior.

Link to 'Light'

Thinking of 'leviandade' as 'dangerous lightness' will help you remember its specific meaning compared to other words for 'bad'.

Literary Flair

Using 'leviandade' in your essays will make your Portuguese sound more advanced and well-read.

Final Syllable

In Portugal, the final 'de' is so soft it might sound like it's not there. Focus on the 'da' to catch the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Levitating' person who is so light they have no 'Gravity' (seriousness). They float away from their responsibilities. That's Leviandade.

Visual Association

Imagine a person trying to hold a heavy anchor labeled 'Responsibility' but instead holding a bunch of colorful balloons labeled 'Leviandade' and floating away from their job.

Word Web

Irresponsible Fickle Light Careless Thoughtless Superficial Imprudent Frivolous

Challenge

Try to use 'leviandade' in a sentence about a politician today. Then, use it to describe a character in a movie you just watched. Finally, write a sentence apologizing for a 'leviandade' you once committed.

Word Origin

From the Portuguese adjective 'leviano' (light, fickle), which originates from the Latin 'levis' meaning 'light' in weight.

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to physical lightness. Over centuries, it shifted metaphorically to describe 'lightness of character' or 'lack of moral weight.'

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word to describe a person directly ('Você é leviano'); it is a strong accusation and can be very offensive.

The closest English equivalent is 'thoughtlessness' or 'frivolity,' but 'leviandade' feels more like a permanent character flaw in Portuguese.

A Insustentável Leveza do Ser (The Unbearable Lightness of Being) by Milan Kundera (Portuguese translation uses 'Leveza', but discussions often contrast it with 'Leviandade'). Machado de Assis uses the term to describe the social climbing characters in 'Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas'. Various Brazilian MPB songs use 'leviana' as a name for a fickle woman.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Professional Negligence

Leviandade profissional
Tratar o contrato com leviandade
Erro por leviandade
Falta de rigor e leviandade

Romantic Betrayal

Leviandade amorosa
Você foi leviano comigo
Brincar com sentimentos por leviandade
A leviandade de um caso passageiro

Legal Proceedings

Leviandade do testemunho
Acusação leviana
Agir com leviandade perante a lei
Leviandade processual

Social Gossip

Falar por leviandade
Leviandade de um boato
Espalhar leviandades
A leviandade das línguas

Political Critique

Leviandade governamental
Promessa leviana
A leviandade da oposição
Gestão marcada pela leviandade

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que a nossa geração trata o meio ambiente com leviandade?"

"Qual foi a maior leviandade que você já cometeu quando era mais novo?"

"Como você reage quando alguém trata um assunto sério seu com leviandade?"

"Você acha que as redes sociais incentivam a leviandade nas discussões?"

"É possível ser feliz mantendo uma certa leviandade perante a vida?"

Journal Prompts

Reflita sobre um momento em que você agiu com leviandade e quais foram as consequências para as pessoas ao seu redor.

Escreva sobre a diferença entre 'viver com leveza' e 'viver com leviandade' na sua própria rotina.

Descreva um personagem de um livro ou filme que você considera o exemplo perfeito de leviandade.

Como a leviandade política afeta o desenvolvimento do seu país? Dê exemplos específicos.

Pense em um conselho que você daria a alguém que está tratando um relacionamento importante com leviandade.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in Portuguese, 'leviandade' almost always carries a negative connotation. It implies that someone is failing in their duty to be serious or responsible. While 'leveza' (lightness) can be positive, 'leviandade' is specifically the irresponsible side of being lighthearted.

Only if the joke was inappropriate or harmful. If you just mean a funny joke, use 'piada' or 'brincadeira'. If the joke insulted someone or was told at a funeral, then 'leviandade' is the perfect word to describe the lack of respect.

It is a nasal vowel. Think of the English word 'jam' but don't close your lips at the end. Instead, let the sound vibrate in your nose. It's a key feature of Portuguese pronunciation.

'Irresponsabilidade' is more clinical and focuses on the failure to fulfill a duty. 'Leviandade' is more about the character trait of being fickle and not taking life seriously. 'Leviandade' sounds more literary and judgmental.

It is common in more formal or dramatic speech, like in soap operas or political debates. In everyday street slang, people might use simpler words, but everyone understands 'leviano' as a sharp critique of someone's reliability.

No, it is strictly an abstract noun for behavior and character. For physical lightness, use 'leveza' or simply say the object is 'leve'.

The meaning is identical, but the pronunciation of the final 'de' differs. In Brazil, it sounds like 'dʒi', while in Portugal, it's a very short, almost silent 'dɨ'.

Both are correct. 'Leviandade' is the general concept, while 'uma leviandade' refers to a specific act of thoughtlessness. For example: 'Ele agiu com leviandade' vs 'Ele cometeu uma leviandade'.

Yes, they are cognates! Both come from the Latin 'levis'. However, 'levity' is often about humor in a serious situation, whereas 'leviandade' is more broadly about irresponsibility.

Common ones include 'extrema' (extreme), 'imperdoável' (unforgivable), 'juvenil' (youthful), and 'política' (political). These help specify the type or degree of thoughtlessness.