level

1 of 3

noun

lev·​el ˈle-vəl 

plural levels

1

: a device for establishing a horizontal line or plane by means of a bubble in a liquid that shows adjustment to the horizontal by movement to the center of a slightly bowed glass tube

2

: a measurement of the difference of altitude of two points by means of a level

3

: horizontal condition

especially : equilibrium of a fluid marked by a horizontal surface of even altitude

water seeks its own level

4

a

: an approximately horizontal line or surface taken as an index of altitude

Charts were arranged at eye level.

b

: a practically horizontal surface or area (as of land)

the level of the plateau

5

: a position in a scale or rank (as of achievement, significance, or value)

funded at the national level

The job appeals to me on many levels.

6

a

: a line or surface that cuts perpendicularly all plumb lines that it meets and hence would everywhere coincide with a surface of still water

b

: the plane of the horizon or a line in it

7

: a horizontal passage in a mine intended for regular working and transportation

8

: a concentration of a constituent especially of a body fluid (such as blood)

a normal blood-sugar level

9

: the magnitude of a quantity considered in relation to an arbitrary reference value

broadly : magnitude, intensity

a high level of hostility

10

: one of a series of discrete parts through which a player moves or progresses during the course of a game (such as a video game)

A commonly held belief among developers is that the opening level of a well-programmed game teaches the player what thematic rules to anticipate going forward.

—Salvatore Pane

level

2 of 3

verb

leveled or levelled; leveling or levelling ˈle-və-liŋ 

ˈlev-liŋ

transitive verb

1

: to make (a line or surface) horizontal : make flat or level

level a field

level off a house lot

2

a

: to bring to a horizontal aiming position

b

: aim, direct

leveled a charge of fraud

3

: to bring to a common level or plane : equalize

love levels all ranks

—W. S. Gilbert

4

a

: to lay level with or as if with the ground : raze

b

: to knock down

leveled him with one punch

5

: to make (something, such as color) even or uniform

6

: to find the heights of different points in (a piece of land) especially with a surveyor's level

intransitive verb

1

: to attain or come to a level

The plane leveled off at 10,000 feet.

see also level up

2

: to aim a gun or other weapon horizontally

3

: to bring persons or things to a level

4

: to deal frankly and openly

level

3 of 3

adjective

1

a

: having no part higher than another : conforming to the curvature of the liquid parts of the earth's surface

b

: parallel with the plane of the horizon : horizontal

2

a

: even or unvarying in height

b

: equal in advantage, progression, or standing

c

: proceeding monotonously or uneventfully

d(1)

: steady, unwavering

gave him a level look

(2)

: calm, unexcited

spoke in level tones

3

: reasonable, balanced

arrive at a justly proportional and level judgment on this affair

—Sir Winston Churchill

4

: distributed evenly

level stress

5

: being a surface perpendicular to all lines of force in a field of force : equipotential

6

: suited to a particular rank or plane of ability or achievement

top-level thinking

7

: of or relating to the spreading out of a cost or charge in even payments over a period of time

levelly

ˈle-və(l)-lē 

adverb

levelness

ˈle-vəl-nəs 

noun

Phrases

on the level

: bona fide, honest

level best

: very best

Synonyms

Noun

• degree
• echelon
• footing
• place
• position
• rank
• ranking
• reach(es)
• rung
• situation
• standing
• station
• status
• stratum

Verb

• balance
• equalize
• equate
• even

Adjective

• even
• flat
• flush
• plane
• smooth

Choose the Right Synonym for level

level, flat, plane, even, smooth mean having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities.

level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon.

the vast prairies are nearly level

flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions.

the work surface must be flat

plane applies to any real or imaginary flat surface in which a straight line between any two points on it lies wholly within that surface.

the plane sides of a crystal

even applies to a surface that is noticeably flat or level or to a line that is observably straight.

trim the hedge so it is even

smooth applies especially to a polished surface free of irregularities.

a smooth skating rink

Examples of level in a Sentence

Noun

The pictures were hung on the wall at eye level.

The pictures were hung at different levels.

There was a high level of alcohol in his blood.

a normal level of intelligence

Prices have risen to a new level.

She rose to the level of manager.

She has reached a rare level of financial success.

These problems affect people at all levels of society.

Can this problem be dealt with at a national level or must it be addressed at an international level?

Verb

They will level the field.

We need to level the garden before we plant anything.

The earthquake leveled the city.

He leveled his opponent with a right hook.

The robber leveled a gun at his head.

Several complaints have been leveled at the store.

Criticism has been leveled against the government for not responding to this crisis.

Adjective

We pitched the tent on level ground.

an airplane in level flight

Interest rates have remained level.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For comparison, the Peloton Tread goes up 12.5mph and can incline to a 12.5% grade, while Echelon Strides similarly go up to 12.5mph and offer 12 levels of incline. —PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024

Some offer funding to ensure a baseline level of service. —Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 11 Nov. 2024

Verb

Fortunately, the most serious threat for severe thunderstorms and flooding for the rest of the day is east of Oklahoma City, where cleanup continues after least 11 people were injured and homes were leveled over the weekend. —Robert Shackelford, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024

Trump has denied the accusations leveled against him by Carroll. —Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 31 Oct. 2024

Adjective

Standout benefits: Applicants in good health can skip the medical exam for a level term life insurance policy with Amica. —Liz Knueven, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2024

The retractable foils and electric motor extend out when the C-8 reaches a speed of 16 knots and adjust in real-time to ensure a smooth, perfectly level flight even in choppy waters. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, plumb line, from Anglo-French livel, from Vulgar Latin *libellum, alteration of Latin libella, from diminutive of libra weight, balance

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing level

• Advanced level
• A level
• bi-level
• cholesterol level
• descend/sink/stoop to someone's level
• did her level best
• dumpy level
• energy level
• entry-level
• eye level
• garden level
• ground level
• high-level
• keep a level head
• level best
• level crossing
• level off
• level of significance
• level out
• level-pegging
• level playing field
• level teaspoon/tablespoon
• level the playing field
• level up
• level with
• low-level
• multi-level
• multi-level marketing
• next-level
• O level
• on a personal level
• one's level best
• Ordinary level
• Scholarship level
• sea level
• significance level
• S level
• spirit level
• split-level
• street level
• sub-level
• subsistence level
• support level
• top-level
• tried his level best
• trophic level
• water level

Kids Definition

level

1 of 3 noun

lev·​el ˈlev-əl 

1

: a device used (as by a carpenter) to establish a horizontal line or surface

2

: a horizontal line or surface usually at a named height

placed at eye level

3

: a step or stage in a scale or rank (as of achievement, significance, importance, or value)

rose to the level of manager

4

a

: an amount of something especially in comparison with typical or expected amounts

production is at a low level this year

b

: the amount of a substance especially per unit volume of a body fluid (as blood)

a high level of sugar in the blood

level

2 of 3 verb

leveled or levelled; leveling or levelling ˈlev-(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to make or become horizontal, flat, or even

2

: aim entry 1 sense 1, direct

3

: to knock flat

the explosion leveled the house

4

: to reach or come to a level

the plane leveled off at 10,000 feet

leveler noun

or leveller

-(ə-)lər

level

3 of 3 adjective

1

: having a flat even surface

a level lawn

2

: being on a line with the horizon : horizontal

in a level position

3

: of the same height or rank : even

the water is level with my waist

4

: steady and cool in judgment

a level head

levelly adverb

levelness noun

Medical Definition

level

noun

lev·​el ˈlev-əl 

1

: a characteristic and fairly uniform concentration of a constituent of the blood or other body fluid

a normal blood-sugar level

2

a

: a degree of ability or aptitude or measure of performance

b

: a grade of mental and emotional development or maturity

evidence as to levels of personality development (e.g., anal, oral)

—G. P. Murdock