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level Meaning & Definition

/ˈlɛvəl/

What Does Level Mean?

Level is used as an adjective meaning The same height at all places; parallel to a flat ground. It is also used to mean At the same height as some reference; constructed as level with. As a noun, it means A tool for finding whether a surface is level, or for creating a horizontal or vertical line of reference. As a verb, it means To adjust so as to make as flat or perpendicular to the ground as possible.

Level at a Glance

Part of speechadjective, noun, verb
Pronunciation//ˈlɛvəl//
Syllables1
Synonymscharge, point and unwavering
Antonymsraise, set up and erect
Plurallevels
Comparative / superlativeleveler, levelest
Verb formslevels, and past participle

Level Definition (Adjective)

  1. The same height at all places; parallel to a flat ground.

    This table isn't quite level; see how this marble rolls off it?

  2. 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.

  3. Unvaried in frequency.

    His pulse has been level for 12 hours.

  4. Unvaried in volume.

    His voice has been unchanged. It has been level for 12 hours.

  5. Calm.

    He kept a level head under stress.

  6. In the same position or rank.
  7. Straightforward; direct; clear.
  8. Well balanced; even; just; steady; impartial.

    a level head; a level understanding

  9. Of even tone; without rising or falling inflection; monotonic.
  10. Perpendicular to a gravitational force.

    The earth's oceans remain level in relation to the pull of gravity.

Level as a Noun

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Degree or amount.

    The sound level is much too high; this hurts my ears.

  4. Achievement or qualification.

    She achieved a high level of distinction.

  5. Distance from the root node of a tree structure.
  6. 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.

  7. A numeric value given to a character (or other element of a game) that represents its relative power, challenge or eligibility to do things, used as a game mechanic to govern progression through a game.

    My half-orc barbarian reached fifth level before he was squashed by a troll.

  8. A floor of a multi-storey building.

    Take the elevator and get off at the promenade level.

  9. An area of almost perfectly flat land.
  10. A school grade or year.
  11. One of the specific values which may be taken by a categorical variable.

    The most common level of the colour variable is red. The other levels are blue and green.

  12. age (especially used by cosplayers and TikTok users

Level as a Verb

  1. 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.

  2. To destroy by reducing to ground level; to raze.

    The hurricane leveled the forest.

  3. To progress to the next level.

    I levelled after defeating the dragon.

  4. To aim or direct (a weapon, a stare, an accusation, etc).

    He levelled an accusation of fraud at the directors.  The hunter levels the gun before taking a shot.

  5. To direct or impose (a penalty, fine, etc) at or upon (someone) [with on or against or at].
  6. To make the score of a game equal.
  7. 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

  8. To adjust or adapt to a certain level.

    to level remarks to the capacity of children

  9. To speak honestly and openly [with with ‘someone’] (see: level with).
  10. To replace (an irregular form) with a more common form; to remove irregularities or complexities, such as within a paradigm; to regularize.

Noun

  1. A numeric value that quantifies a character's experience and power.

    My half-orc barbarian reached fifth level before he was squashed by a troll.

Verb

  1. To direct or impose (a penalty, fine, etc) at or upon (someone).
  2. (usually with "with") To speak honestly and openly with.

Synonyms of Level

Level synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Level

Level in a Sentence

This table isn't quite level; see how this marble rolls off it?

We tried to hang the pictures so that the bottom of the frames were level with the dark line in the wallpaper.

His pulse has been level for 12 hours.

His voice has been unchanged. It has been level for 12 hours.

He kept a level head under stress.

He kept a level gaze.

a level head; a level understanding

The earth's oceans remain level in relation to the pull of gravity.

Hand me the level so I can tell if this is correctly installed.

By the end of the day, we'd dug down to the level of the old basement floor.

The sound level is much too high; this hurts my ears.

We've reached a new level of success.

She achieved a high level of distinction.

It took me weeks to get to level seven.   Watch out for the next level; the bad guys there are really overpowered.

My half-orc barbarian reached fifth level before he was squashed by a troll.

Take the elevator and get off at the promenade level.

The most common level of the colour variable is red. The other levels are blue and green.

You can level the table by turning the pads that screw into the feet.

The hurricane leveled the forest.

I levelled after defeating the dragon.

He levelled an accusation of fraud at the directors.  The hunter levels the gun before taking a shot.

to level all the ranks and conditions of men

to level remarks to the capacity of children

The sound level is much too high; this hurts my ears.   We've reached a new level of success.

Word Forms & Grammar

level (comparative leveler or leveller, superlative levelest or levellest)

level (countable and uncountable, plural levels)

level (third-person singular simple present levels, present participle (US) leveling or (UK) levelling, simple past and past participle (US) leveled or (UK) levelled)

Words That Rhyme With Level

Origin of Level

Origin 1: From Middle English level, from Old French livel, liveau m, later nivel, niveau, from Latin libella f (“a balance, a level”), diminutive of libra f (“a balance, a level”); see libra, librate. Doublet of libella and niveau.

Origin 2: The verb is from Middle English levelen, from the noun.

How Do You Say Level?

You say level as //ˈlɛvəl//. It has 1 syllable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Level

Is level an adjective or a noun?

Level is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun and a verb.

What is another word for level?

Close synonyms of level are charge, point and unwavering. See the full list of level synonyms and antonyms.

What is the opposite of level?

Antonyms of level include raise, set up, erect and rear.

What is the plural of level?

The plural of level is levels.

What is the past tense of level?

The past tense of level is and past participle.

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