level
LEH-vuhl
Level (adj) means Flat and even; at the same height throughout, or matching a given height. Example: “Make sure the shelf is level before you fix it in place.”
adj
1
Flat and even; at the same height throughout, or matching a given height.
"Make sure the shelf is level before you fix it in place."
"The two teams were level on points going into the final match."
"The ground must be level before we can pitch the tent."
noun
1
A particular degree, standard, floor, or stage in a scale, structure, or game.
"Water levels rose sharply after the storm."
"She finally beat the last level of the game."
"The noise level in the library was very low this morning."
verb
1
To make something flat or even, or to destroy it completely so nothing is left standing.
"The earthquake leveled entire city blocks."
"Workers levelled the muddy field so that children could play football."
"The storm levelled several barns across the countryside."
2
To aim or direct something, such as an accusation or a weapon, at someone.
"Critics leveled fresh accusations at the government."
"The angry customer levelled a complaint at the manager."
"She levelled her camera at the birds and held her breath."
How to use level
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFlat and even, a stage or standard on some scale, or the act of making something flat or knocking it down.
Common mistake
The phrase "level with someone" means to be honest with them, not literally to make something flat.
Common pairings
level with
a level playing field
level ground
reach a level
level an accusation
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Word forms
- Plural
- levels
- Third person singular
- levels
- Past tense
- leveled, levelled
- Comparative
- leveler, leveller
- Superlative
- levelest, levellest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Make sure the shelf is _____ before you fix it in place.
Etymology
From Old French livel/nivel, from Latin libella, "a small balance or level tool," a diminutive of libra, "a balance, a pair of scales."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for level
See all rhymes for level →Frequently asked questions
What does “level” mean?
The word “level” means flat and even; at the same height throughout, or matching a given height. In plain terms, flat and even, a stage or standard on some scale, or the act of making something flat or knocking it down.
How do you pronounce “level”?
“Level” is pronounced LEH-vuhl (/ˈlɛvəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “level” in a sentence?
Here is “level” used in a sentence: “Make sure the shelf is level before you fix it in place.”
What is the opposite of “level”?
The opposite of “level” — its antonyms — are tilted, unbalanced and uneven.
What part of speech is “level”?
Depending on how it is used, “level” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “level” come from?
The word “level” comes from Latin. From Old French livel/nivel, from Latin libella, "a small balance or level tool," a diminutive of libra, "a balance, a pair of scales.".
Is “level” a common word?
“Level” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “level” have?
“Level” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: flat and even; at the same height throughout, or matching a given height.
What is the difference between level and flat?
Flat means smooth and without bumps or curves. Level means horizontal — the same height throughout, with no slope. A surface can be flat but not level, like a smooth ramp that still tilts. To be level, it must be even and also perfectly horizontal, so a ball placed on it would not roll.
What is the difference between level and even?
Even usually means smooth, regular, or equal, and can describe surfaces, amounts, or scores. Level specifically means horizontal or at the same height throughout. They overlap when describing a surface with no bumps, but only level carries the strong sense of being perfectly horizontal, as measured by a spirit level.
What is the opposite of level?
The opposite depends on the sense. For a surface, uneven, bumpy, or sloping is the opposite of level. When level means horizontal, the opposites are tilted, slanted, or inclined. In each case the contrast is between something flat and horizontal and something irregular or set at an angle.
What is an example of level?
You might say 'make sure the shelf is level' so it hangs straight, or 'the ground here is level' meaning flat and horizontal. In sport, 'the scores are level' means equal. Each use points back to the idea of matching heights or being even throughout.
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