adj

level

LEH-vuhl

adj

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."

noun

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."

verb

To make something flat or even, or to destroy it completely so nothing is left standing.

"The earthquake leveled entire city blocks."

To aim or direct something, such as an accusation or a weapon, at someone.

"Critics leveled fresh accusations at the government."

How to Use Level

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word Forms

leveler comparative, leveller comparative, leveled past tense, levelled past tense, levels plural, Levels plural, levels singular, levelest superlative, levellest superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “level” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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."

Antonyms

tilted unbalanced uneven

Related Words

drunk smooth rough even unequal insane sane unbalanced

Rhymes for level

revel

See all rhymes for level →

People Also Searched

tilted unbalanced uneven drunk smooth rough even unequal insane sane