levy
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for levy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To officially impose and collect a tax, fine, or other charge.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use levy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French levee, from lever ("to raise"), from Latin levare ("to raise, lift").
Full origin of levy →Frequently asked questions
What does “levy” mean?
The word “levy” means to officially impose and collect a tax, fine, or other charge. In plain terms, to officially demand and collect money (like a tax) — or, as a noun, the tax or charge itself.
How do you pronounce “levy”?
“Levy” is pronounced LEH-vee (/ˈlɛ.vi/ in IPA).
How do you use “levy” in a sentence?
Here is “levy” used in a sentence: “The government decided to levy a new tax on sugary drinks.”
What part of speech is “levy”?
Depending on how it is used, “levy” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “levy” come from?
The word “levy” comes from Latin. From Old French levee, from lever ("to raise"), from Latin levare ("to raise, lift").
Is “levy” a common word?
“Levy” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “levy” have?
“Levy” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to officially impose and collect a tax, fine, or other charge.
What is the difference between a levy and a tax?
A levy is a broader term for any compulsory payment officially imposed and collected, such as a tax, fine, or other charge, while tax specifically refers to a payment collected by a government to fund public services. All taxes can be described as levies, but not all levies are necessarily called taxes, such as a special fine or charge.
How is levy used as a verb?
As a verb, levy means to officially impose and collect a tax, fine, or other charge, as in 'the government will levy a new tariff.' It can also mean to call up people for military service, as in raising a levy of troops.
What does levy mean in a military context?
In a military context, a levy refers to a body of troops raised by conscription, and levy as a verb can mean to call up people for military service. This usage is historical, often associated with earlier periods when armies were assembled through compulsory enlistment.