Level Definition and Meaning
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Published on March 7, 2024
Level refers to a flat, even surface, or a specific height, stage, or degree in a hierarchy or process. e.g., Ensure the picture hangs level on the wall.
Table of Contents
Level Definitions
To be straightforward, honest, or direct.
The manager was asked to level with the team about the upcoming changes.
A tool used to determine if a surface is horizontally or vertically straight.
Use a level to ensure the shelves are perfectly horizontal.
A flat, even surface without inclines or declines.
The carpenter checked if the table was level before proceeding.
A specific stage or degree in a scale or hierarchy.
He reached a new level of expertise in his field.
To make a surface flat or even.
The construction crew will level the ground before building.
To bring different things to the same importance or status.
The new law aims to level the playing field for all businesses.
To aim or direct something, especially a criticism or accusation.
Critics leveled harsh comments at the new movie.
An indicator of quantity, amount, or extent.
The water level in the tank is critically low.
To rise or advance to a particular level or standard.
She leveled up in the game, unlocking new challenges.
To demolish or knock down buildings.
The old warehouse was leveled to make way for a park.
Relative position or rank on a scale
The local level of government.
Studying at the graduate level.
A relative degree, as of achievement, intensity, or concentration
An unsafe level of toxicity.
A high level of frustration.
A natural or proper position, place, or stage
I finally found my own level in the business world.
Position along a vertical axis; height or depth
A platform at knee level.
A horizontal line or plane at right angles to the plumb.
The position or height of such a line or plane.
A flat, horizontal surface.
A land area of uniform elevation.
An instrument for ascertaining whether a surface is horizontal, vertical, or at a 45° angle, consisting essentially of an encased, liquid-filled tube containing an air bubble that moves to a center window when the instrument is set on an even plane. Also called spirit level.
Such a device combined with a telescope and used in surveying.
A computation of the difference in elevation between two points by using such a device.
Having a flat, smooth surface
A level countertop.
Being on a horizontal plane
A level field.
Being at the same height or position as another; even.
Being at the same degree of rank, standing, or advantage as another; equal.
Being or relating to a specified rank or standing. Often used in combination
A lower-level administrator.
Exhibiting no abrupt variations; steady
Spoke in a level tone.
Rational and balanced; sensible
Came to a level appraisal of the situation.
Keeps a level head in an emergency.
Filled evenly to the top
A level tablespoon of the medicine.
To make horizontal, flat, or even
Leveled the driveway with a roller.
Leveled off the hedges with the clippers.
To place on the same rank; equalize.
To tear down (a building, for example); raze.
To knock down, as with a blow; lay low
Leveled the opponent with an uppercut.
To direct emphatically or forcefully toward someone
Leveled charges of dishonesty.
To measure the different elevations of (a tract of land) with a level.
To bring persons or things to an equal level; equalize.
To aim a weapon horizontally.
(Informal) To be frank and open
Advised the suspect to level with the authorities.
Along a flat or even line or plane.
The same height at all places; parallel to a flat ground.
This table isn't quite level; see how this marble rolls off it?
At the same height as some reference; constructed as level with.
We tried to hang the pictures so that the bottom of the frames were level with the dark line in the wallpaper.
Unvaried in frequency.
His pulse has been level for 12 hours.
Unvaried in volume.
His voice has been unchanged. It has been level for 12 hours.
Calm.
He kept a level head under stress.
He kept a level gaze.
In the same position or rank.
Straightforward; direct; clear.
Well balanced; even; just; steady; impartial.
A level head; a level understanding
(phonetics) Of even tone; without rising or falling inflection; monotonic.
(physics) Perpendicular to a gravitational force.
The earth's oceans remain level in relation to the pull of gravity.
A tool for finding whether a surface is level, or for creating a horizontal or vertical line of reference.
Hand me the level so I can tell if this is correctly installed.
A distance relative to a given reference elevation.
By the end of the day, we'd dug down to the level of the old basement floor.
Degree or amount.
The sound level is much too high; this hurts my ears.
We've reached a new level of success.
Achievement or qualification.
She achieved a high level of distinction.
(computer science) Distance from the root node of a tree structure.
(video games) One of several discrete segments of a game, generally increasing in difficulty and representing different locations in the game world.
It took me weeks to get to level seven.
Watch out for the next level; the bad guys there are really overpowered.
A numeric value that quantifies a character, ability, or item's experience and power.
My half-orc barbarian reached fifth level before he was squashed by a troll.
A floor of a multi-storey building.
Take the elevator and get off at the promenade level.
(British) An area of almost perfectly flat land.
A school grade or year.
To adjust so as to make as flat or perpendicular to the ground as possible.
You can level the table by turning the pads that screw into the feet.
To destroy by reducing to ground level; to raze.
The hurricane leveled the forest.
To progress to the next level.
I levelled after defeating the dragon.
To direct or impose (a penalty, fine, etc) at or upon (someone).
(sports) To make the score of a game equal.
(figurative) To bring to a common level or plane, in respect of rank, condition, character, privilege, etc.
To level all the ranks and conditions of men
To adjust or adapt to a certain level.
To level remarks to the capacity of children
To speak honestly and openly with.
A line or surface to which, at every point, a vertical or plumb line is perpendicular; a line or surface which is everywhere parallel to the surface of still water; - this is the true level, and is a curve or surface in which all points are equally distant from the center of the earth, or rather would be so if the earth were an exact sphere.
A horizontal line or plane; that is, a straight line or a plane which is tangent to a true level at a given point and hence parallel to the horizon at that point; - this is the apparent level at the given point.
Hence, figuratively, a certain position, rank, standard, degree, quality, character, etc., conceived of as in one of several planes of different elevation.
Providence, for the most part, sets us on a level.
Somebody there of his own level.
Be the fair level of thy actions laidAs temperance wills and prudence may persuade.
A uniform or average height; a normal plane or altitude; a condition conformable to natural law or which will secure a level surface; as, moving fluids seek a level.
When merit shall find its level.
An instrument by which to find a horizontal line, or adjust something with reference to a horizontal line.
A horizontal passage, drift, or adit, in a mine.
Even; flat; having no part higher than another; having, or conforming to, the curvature which belongs to the undisturbed liquid parts of the earth's surface; as, a level field; level ground; the level surface of a pond or lake.
Ample spaces o'er the smoothAnd level pavement.
Coinciding or parallel with the plane of the horizon; horizontal; as, the telescope is now level.
Even with anything else; of the same height; on the same line or plane; on the same footing; of equal importance; - followed by with, sometimes by to.
Young boys and girlsAre level now with men; the odds is gone.
Everything lies level to our wish.
Straightforward; direct; clear; open.
A very plain and level account.
Well balanced; even; just; steady; impartial; as, a level head; a level understanding. [Colloq.]
Of even tone; without rising or falling inflection.
To make level; to make horizontal; to bring to the condition of a level line or surface; hence, to make flat or even; as, to level a road, a walk, or a garden.
To bring to a lower level; to overthrow; to topple down; to reduce to a flat surface; to lower.
And their proud structures level with the ground.
He levels mountains and he raises plains.
Figuratively, to bring to a common level or plane, in respect of rank, condition, character, privilege, etc.; as, to level all the ranks and conditions of men.
To adjust or adapt to a certain level; as, to level remarks to the capacity of children.
For all his mind on honor fixed is,To which he levels all his purposes.
To be level; to be on a level with, or on an equality with, something; hence, to accord; to agree; to suit.
With such accommodation and besortAs levels with her breeding.
A position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality;
A moderate degree of intelligence
A high level of care is required
It is all a matter of degree
A relative position or degree of value in a graded group;
Lumber of the highest grade
A specific identifiable position in a continuum or series or especially in a process;
A remarkable degree of frankness
At what stage are the social sciences?
Height above ground;
The water reached ankle level
The pictures were at the same level
Indicator that establishes the horizontal when a bubble is centered in a tube of liquid
A flat surface at right angles to a plumb line;
Park the car on the level
Structure consisting of a room or set of rooms comprising a single level of a multilevel building;
What level is the office on?
An abstract place usually conceived as having depth;
A good actor communicates on several levels
A simile has at least two layers of meaning
The mind functions on many strata simultaneously
Aim at;
Level criticism or charges at somebody
Tear down so as to make flat with the ground;
The building was levelled
Make level or straight;
Level the ground
Talk frankly with; lay it on the line;
I have to level with you
Become level or even;
The ground levelled off
Having a horizontal surface in which no part is higher or lower than another;
A flat desk
Acres of level farmland
A plane surface
Not showing abrupt variations;
Spoke in a level voice
She gave him a level look
Being on a precise horizontal plane;
A billiard table must be level
Oriented at right angles to the plumb;
The picture is level
Of the score in a contest;
The score is tied
Level Snonyms
Plane
A flat or level surface.
The carpenter used a tool to make the wood into a perfect plane.
Flush
Even or level with another surface.
The door's surface was flush with the wall.
Smooth
Having an even and regular surface; free from noticeable lumps or indentations.
He sanded the wood until it was smooth.
Flat
Having a smooth, even surface; without raised areas or indentations.
She placed the vase on the flat table.
Even
Uniform in surface; smooth and flat.
The painter ensured the wall was even before painting.
Equal
As great as; the same as.
The scores of the two teams were equal at the end of the game.
Horizontal
Parallel to the plane of the horizon; at right angles to the vertical.
The picture was hung perfectly horizontal.
Aligned
Placed or arranged in a straight line.
Ensure the tiles are aligned.
Balanced
Being in a state of equilibrium; equal distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.
He kept the scales balanced.
Straight
Without a bend, angle, or curve; not curved; direct.
He drew a straight line.
Level Idioms & Phrases
Level-headed
Having a calm and rational approach to situations.
In emergencies, it's important to stay level-headed.
Take it to the next level
To improve or advance something further.
We're ready to take our relationship to the next level.
On the level
Being honest and straightforward.
You can trust him; he's on the level.
Level playing field
A situation where everyone has the same opportunities.
The new regulations will create a level playing field for all companies.
Level with someone
To be honest and open with someone.
I need to level with you about the challenges we're facing.
Sea level
The average height of the sea's surface.
Coastal cities are vulnerable to rising sea levels.
Top-level
The highest rank or position.
The decision was made by the top-level management.
Split-level
A style of building in which floor levels are staggered.
They bought a split-level house in the suburbs.
Level the playing field
To give everyone equal chances.
Fair trade practices help level the playing field for farmers in developing countries.
Ground-level
Relating to the ground or to the floor of a building.
The apartment has a beautiful ground-level garden.
Eye level
The height at which something is at the same height as your eyes.
Hang the painting at eye level for the best effect.
To level the score
To equalize the score in a game or competition.
With that goal, they leveled the score at 2-2.
A whole new level
Something that surpasses previous standards or expectations.
The latest software update takes efficiency to a whole new level.
Level off
To stabilize after increasing or decreasing.
After a sharp rise, the stock prices finally leveled off.
Entry-level
Suitable for someone who is starting a job or activity for the first time.
She landed an entry-level job at the marketing firm.
To level up
To advance to a higher level or standard, especially in games.
After hours of playing, he finally leveled up his character.
On another level
Significantly better or more intense than what is typical.
His performance tonight was on another level.
Level best
One's utmost effort or attempt.
I'll do my level best to finish the report on time.
At street level
At the same level or height as the street.
The café has outdoor seating at street level.
Below sea level
Situated at a height lower than the sea's average surface.
Much of the Netherlands is below sea level.
Level Example Sentences
Make sure the frame is level before you nail it to the wall.
The city plans to level the abandoned building by the end of the month.
The team worked hard to level the playing field for smaller competitors.
He reached a new level in the game and was excited to explore it.
The teacher asked the students to level their desks by adjusting the legs.
The water level in the reservoir has been dropping steadily.
The earthquake was powerful enough to level entire neighborhoods.
She used a level to ensure the picture was hanging straight.
The project aimed to level inequalities in access to healthcare.
He decided to level with his parents about his college grades.
The athlete's performance reached a new level at the championship.
The chef uses a knife to level the top of the cake for decoration.
The speaker leveled criticism at the current policies during the debate.
The floodwaters rose to a dangerous level, prompting evacuations.
They had to level the old floor before installing the new tiles.
Common Curiosities
How do we divide level into syllables?
Level is divided as lev-el.
What is a stressed syllable in level?
The stressed syllable in level is the first one: LEV-el.
How is level used in a sentence?
Level is often used to describe an even or flat surface or a stage in a process, e.g., We need to level the ground before setting up the tent.
Why is it called level?
Level comes from the Old French 'livell', related to 'libella' in Latin, meaning a balance or evenness, reflecting its use in measuring flatness or equality.
What is the verb form of level?
Level itself is a verb. Its other forms are levels, leveling (or levelling), leveled (or levelled).
How many syllables are in level?
Level has two syllables.
What is the root word of level?
The root word of level is from the Old French 'livell', which comes from Latin 'libella', meaning a balance or leveling instrument.
What part of speech is level?
Level can be a noun, verb, or adjective depending on its use in a sentence.
What is the singular form of level?
The singular form is "level."
What is the first form of level?
The first form of level is "level" (present tense).
What is the opposite of level?
The opposite of level (as an adjective) could be "uneven" or "inclined."
Is level an abstract noun?
Level, when referring to a degree or stage, can be considered an abstract noun.
What is the pronunciation of level?
Level is pronounced as /ˈlɛv.əl/.
Is level a noun or adjective?
Level can be both a noun and an adjective depending on the context.
Is level a negative or positive word?
Level is neutral; it is neither inherently negative nor positive.
Is the word level Gerund?
"Leveling" or "levelling" can be a gerund when used as a noun.
Which vowel is used before level?
The vowel used before "level" can vary depending on the article or adjective, e.g., "an even level", "a high level".
Is level a countable noun?
Yes, level is a countable noun (e.g., different levels of difficulty).
Is the word “level” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Level can be a direct object in sentences where it is acted upon, e.g., "He checked the level."
What is another term for level?
Another term for level could be "flat" (as an adjective) or "stage" (as a noun).
Is level a collective noun?
Level is not typically considered a collective noun.
Is the level term a metaphor?
The term can be used metaphorically, especially in phrases like "level the playing field."
Which determiner is used with level?
Determiners like "the", "a", "this", "that", "my", etc., can be used with level.
Which conjunction is used with level?
Conjunctions like "and", "but", "or", "while", "as", etc., can be used with level in complex sentences.
What is the third form of level?
The third form of level is "leveled" (or "levelled" in British English) - past participle.
What is the plural form of level?
The plural form is "levels."
Is level an adverb?
Level is not commonly used as an adverb.
Is level a vowel or consonant?
The word level starts with a consonant 'l'.
Is the word level imperative?
Level can be used in an imperative form, especially as a verb (e.g., "Level the surface before laying the tiles").
What is the second form of level?
The second form of level is "leveled" (or "levelled" in British English) - past tense.
Which preposition is used with level?
Prepositions like "at", "on", "to", and "with" can be used with level, depending on the context.
Which article is used with level?
Both "the" and "a" can be used with level, depending on whether it is specific or general.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
