Level
/ˈlevəl/
Definitions
5 meaningsA horizontal surface or plane.
/ˈlevəl/
A horizontal plane or line.
The table is not level; it wobbles.
💡 Simply: Imagine a perfectly flat surface, like a tabletop or the ground. That's a level! It's straight and even.
👶 For kids: A flat line, like the floor!
More Examples
We need to find a level spot to set up the tent.
The flood waters reached a dangerous level.
How It's Used
"The builders used a level to ensure the foundation was straight."
"The area has a high sea level."
A position on a scale or hierarchy.
/ˈlevəl/
A degree of height, intensity, or amount.
The water level in the lake has dropped.
💡 Simply: It’s like a step on a ladder or how much you’re able to do. For example, 'My English is at a beginner's level' means you’re just starting.
👶 For kids: How good you are at something!
More Examples
He reached a high level of success in his career.
The noise level was unbearable.
How It's Used
"The company is operating at a high level of efficiency."
"She's studying at a postgraduate level."
An instrument or device for determining a horizontal or vertical line.
/ˈlevəl/
An instrument used to determine a horizontal plane.
The contractor used a laser level to align the cabinets.
💡 Simply: A tool that tells you if something is straight, like a bubble that tells you if something is level.
👶 For kids: A tool that helps you make sure things are straight.
More Examples
A spirit level is a simple tool for checking if a surface is flat.
The surveyor used a transit level to measure the height differences.
How It's Used
"The carpenter used a spirit level to ensure the shelf was straight."
"Surveyors use advanced levels to measure elevation."
To make something flat or even.
/ˈlevəl/
To make something horizontal or even.
They leveled the playing field by removing all the obstacles.
💡 Simply: To make something flat like a pancake or a tabletop. You would do this to make sure your table doesn't wobble!
👶 For kids: To make something flat!
More Examples
The construction crew leveled the land before pouring the foundation.
The judge leveled charges against the suspect.
How It's Used
"The workers leveled the ground before building."
"We need to level the garden bed."
To aim or point something at someone or something.
/ˈlevəl/
To aim or direct something (usually a weapon).
He leveled a scathing attack against the government.
💡 Simply: To point something straight at someone or something. Imagine leveling a water gun.
👶 For kids: To point something at something!
More Examples
The archer leveled his arrow at the bullseye.
She leveled her gaze at the speaker.
How It's Used
"The soldier leveled his rifle at the target."
"She leveled accusations at the politician."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
level playing field
A situation where everyone has the same opportunities and advantages.
"The new rules were designed to create a level playing field for all competitors."
on a level
Sharing equal importance, understanding or status.
"They could communicate with each other on a level that no one else understood."
From Middle English level, livel, from Old French livel (modern French niveau), from Latin libella (“a small balance, water level”).
Used since Middle English, the word initially referred to a tool for ensuring horizontal alignment.
Memory tip
Think of a bubble level: the bubble always seeks a horizontal plane.
Word Origin
"libella (a small balance, water level)"