Definition

1. Noun:

   • A position on a scale of height, amount, or quality: A specific point or stage in a graded series or process.
   • A horizontal plane or line: A flat, even surface or a position at a particular height.
   • A relative position or rank in a graded group: A position in a hierarchy or system of classification.
   • An abstract place or layer of thought or meaning: A particular depth or layer of understanding or communication.

2. Adjective:

   • Having a flat, horizontal surface: Not sloping or tilted; even.
   • Being at the same height or position as something else: Equal in position, value, or degree.
   • Not showing abrupt variations; steady and calm: Even and unvarying in tone, emotion, or manner.

3. Verb:

   • To make something flat or even: To remove differences in height or to make a surface smooth.
   • To aim or direct something: To point a weapon, criticism, or gaze directly at someone or something.
   • To become level or even: To settle into a stable, flat, or consistent state.
   • To be frank and honest: To speak openly and without deception.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The water reached a dangerous level. (A position on a scale of height.)
  • They are discussing the issue at a diplomatic level. (A rank in a hierarchy.)
  • This book operates on many levels. (Layers of meaning.)

• Adjective:

  • Make sure the table is level before you assemble it. (Having a flat, horizontal surface.)
  • The two teams are level in the competition. (Equal in position or score.)
  • She spoke in a level voice despite her anger. (Steady and calm.)

• Verb:

  • They had to level the ground before building. (To make flat.)
  • He leveled his gaze at the speaker. (To direct one's eyes.)
  • The plane began to level off at 30,000 feet. (To become even in flight.)
  • I need to level with you about the problem. (To be frank.)

Advanced Usage

• "On the level" (idiomatic): Honest, truthful, and legitimate.

  • Is this deal on the level? (Is this deal honest and legitimate?)

• "Level off/out": To stop rising or falling and become steady; to stabilize.

  • Prices are expected to level off next quarter. (Prices are expected to stop increasing and become steady.)

• "Level the playing field" (idiomatic): To create a situation where everyone has the same opportunities.

  • The new regulations aim to level the playing field for small businesses. (The regulations aim to give small businesses equal opportunities.)

Variants and Related Words

• Leveler (noun): A person or thing that makes things equal.

  • Education is often seen as a great leveler in society.

• Levelness (noun): The quality or state of being level.

  • The levelness of the floor is crucial for the installation.

Synonyms

• Noun: Stage, degree, tier, plane, standard.
• Adjective: Flat, even, smooth, equal, steady.
• Verb: Flatten, smooth, equalize, aim, direct.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Level down: To reduce something to a lower standard to make it equal.

  • The policy should not level down the quality of education. (The policy should not reduce the quality to the lowest common standard.)

• Level up: To improve something to a higher standard.

  • The company is investing to level up its digital skills. (The company is investing to improve its digital skills to a higher standard.)

• Level at (someone): To aim criticism or accusations directly at someone.

  • Serious allegations were leveled at the former CEO. (Serious accusations were directed at the former CEO.)

Related Idioms

• Do one's level best: To try as hard as one possibly can.

  • I'll do my level best to finish the project on time. (I will try as hard as I can.)

• A level head: The ability to stay calm and think clearly in difficult situations.

  • In a crisis, it's important to keep a level head. (It's important to stay calm and think clearly.)

Adjective

1. of the score in a contest
   • the score is tied
2. oriented at right angles to the plumb
   • the picture is level
3. being on a precise horizontal plane
   • a billiard table must be level
4. not showing abrupt variations
   • spoke in a level voice
   • she gave him a level look- Louis Auchincloss
5. having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another
   • a flat desk
   • acres of level farmland
   • a plane surface
   • skirts sewn with fine flat seams

Noun

1. a structure consisting of a room or set of rooms at a single position along a vertical scale
   • what level is the office on?
2. 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
3. a flat surface at right angles to a plumb line
   • park the car on the level
4. indicator that establishes the horizontal when a bubble is centered in a tube of liquid
5. height above ground
   • the water reached ankle level
   • the pictures were at the same level
6. 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?
7. a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
   • lumber of the highest grade
8. a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
   • a moderate grade of intelligence
   • a high level of care is required
   • it is all a matter of degree

Verb

1. become level or even
   • The ground levelled off
2. talk frankly with; lay it on the line
   • I have to level with you
3. direct into a position for use
   • point a gun
   • He charged his weapon at me
4. make level or straight
   • level the ground
5. tear down so as to make flat with the ground
   • The building was levelled
6. aim at
   • level criticism or charges at somebody