Lever
'liːvər
Definitions
3 meaningsA rigid bar pivoting on a fixed point (fulcrum), used to transmit a force.
'liːvər
A rigid bar used to exert a force to lift or move something.
The crowbar acted as a lever to pry open the crate.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to lift a heavy box. A lever is like a tool, such as a crowbar, that helps you use less effort to do that. You put the lever under the box and push down on the other end.
👶 For kids: A lever is a tool that helps you lift things. It's like a long stick that you put under something heavy.
More Examples
The principle of the lever is fundamental in many mechanical systems.
She used the lever on the stapler to fasten the papers.
How It's Used
"The mechanic used a lever to lift the car."
"The design incorporated a series of levers to control the machine's movements."
A person or thing used to achieve a specific objective.
'liːvər
A means of achieving a desired end; a mechanical advantage.
Education is a powerful lever for social mobility.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to win a game. A lever in this sense is something that gives you an advantage, like having a really smart friend to help you with the strategy.
👶 For kids: A lever can also be something that helps you get what you want.
More Examples
The company identified a key lever to improve customer satisfaction.
Innovation is a crucial lever for economic growth.
How It's Used
"The company used marketing as a lever to increase sales."
"Lobbying provided a lever to influence the new legislation."
To raise or move with a lever.
'liːvər
To lift or move with a lever.
He levered the lid off the box with a screwdriver.
💡 Simply: To lever something is like using that crowbar again. You're using it to lift or move something.
👶 For kids: To use a lever is like using a tool to push something to make it move.
More Examples
The construction crew levered the giant beams into position.
Carefully lever the rock to get a better view of the ground beneath.
How It's Used
"The workers levered the heavy stone into place using a crowbar."
Idioms & expressions
give someone a lever
To provide someone with the means or opportunity to achieve something.
"The grant gave the researchers a lever to explore new areas of scientific discovery."
From Old French *le(i)vier*, derived from Latin *levare* 'to lift'.
Used in ancient times, with its principle being identified by Archimedes, and becoming a common tool for construction and engineering.
Memory tip
Think of a seesaw; the plank is the lever, and the pivot point where it balances is the fulcrum.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: levare