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level

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The definition of level is having a flat surface that is horizontal and straight, being at the same height as something else, remaining unchanging/steady, or having the same position as something else.

(adjective)

An example of level is smooth pavement in an area with no hills.
An example of level is a large flat field.
An example of level is bending down to get to a child's height so you can be at the same eye level.
An example of level is a price that doesn't go up or down.
An example of level is a car that is at the same height as your car.

Level is defined as an accepted standard, or is a specific height or distance from a designated base.

(noun)

An example of level is reading level, which is an accepted standard at which children should be able to read based on how old they are.
An example of level is sea level, which is the starting elevation from which other land measurements are based.

To level means to create a flat surface, to be honest and tell the truth to someone, or to direct criticism at someone.

(verb)

An example of level is when you smooth wet concrete so it will lie flat.
An example of level is when you give someone the bad news truthfully.
An example of level is when you give criticism to someone and tell him he is a poor worker.

See level in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

an instrument for determining, or adjusting a surface to, an even horizontal plane: it has a glass tube partly filled with liquid so as to leave an air bubble that moves to the exact center of the tube when the instrument is on an even horizontal plane; often there is another such tube which indicates when the instrument is perpendicular to the horizontal
1. surveyor's level
2. a measuring of differences in elevation with this instrument
1. a horizontal plane or line; esp., such a plane taken as a basis for the measurement of elevation: sea level
2. the height, or altitude, of such a plane
a relatively flat and even area of land or other surface; horizontal area
the same horizontal plane: to keep the tops of pictures on a level
usual or normal position with reference to a certain height: water seeks its level
position, elevation, or rank considered as one of the planes in a scale of values: levels of income
a horizontal drift or gallery in a mine
the degree of concentration of a substance in a fluid
Physics the ratio of a quantity's magnitude to an arbitrarily selected magnitude

Origin: OFr livel < VL *libellus < L libella, dim. of libra, a balance, level, weight

adjective

having no part higher than any other; perfectly flat and even; conforming to the surface of still water
conforming to the plane of the horizon; not sloping
being of the same height or being in the same plane; even (with)
even with the top of the container; not heaping: a level teaspoonful
1. equal in importance, rank, degree, etc.
2. conforming to a specified level or rank: high-level talks
3. equally advanced in development
4. even or uniform in tone, color, pitch, volume, rate, etc.
1. not having or showing sudden differences or inequalities; well-balanced; equable
2. not excited or disturbed; calm or steady
paid or to be paid in equal amounts over a period of time
☆ Slang honest; straight

adverb

Now Rare on a level line

transitive verb leveled or levelled, leveling or levelling

to make level; specif.,
1. to make perfectly horizontal by means of a level
2. to make flat and even
3. to equalize in height, rank, quality, etc.: often with down or up
4. to make even in tone, color, pitch, etc.
to knock to the ground; demolish; lay low: the storm leveled the tree
to aim (a gun, etc.) for firing
to aim or direct
Surveying to determine the differences in altitude in (a plot of ground)

intransitive verb

to aim a gun, etc. (at)
to bring people or things to an equal rank, condition, etc.: usually with down or up
☆ Slang to be frank and honest (with someone)

Related Forms:

levelly adverb
levelness noun

See level in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. Relative position or rank on a scale: the local level of government; studying at the graduate level.
b. A relative degree, as of achievement, intensity, or concentration: an unsafe level of toxicity; a high level of frustration.
A natural or proper position, place, or stage: I finally found my own level in the business world.
Position along a vertical axis; height or depth: a platform at knee level.
a. A horizontal line or plane at right angles to the plumb.
b. The position or height of such a line or plane.
A flat, horizontal surface.
A land area of uniform elevation.
a. An instrument for ascertaining whether a surface is horizontal, vertical, or at a 45° angle, consisting essentially of an encased, liquid-filled tube containing an air bubble that moves to a center window when the instrument is set on an even plane. Also called spirit level.
b. Such a device combined with a telescope and used in surveying.
c. A computation of the difference in elevation between two points by using such a device.

adjective

Having a flat, smooth surface.
Being on a horizontal plane.
a. Being at the same height or position as another; even.
b. Being at the same degree of rank, standing, or advantage as another; equal.
c. Being or relating to a specified rank or standing. Often used in combination: a lower-level administrator.
Exhibiting no abrupt variations; steady: spoke in a level tone.
Rational and balanced; sensible: came to a level appraisal of the situation; keeps a level head in an emergency.
Filled evenly to the top: a level tablespoon of the medicine.

verb lev·eled or lev·elled, lev·el·ing or lev·el·ling, lev·els

verb, transitive

To make horizontal, flat, or even: leveled the driveway with a roller; leveled off the hedges with the clippers.
To tear down; raze.
To knock down with or as if with a blow: The challenger leveled the champion with a mighty uppercut.
To place on the same level; equalize.
To aim along a horizontal plane: leveled the gun at the target.
To direct emphatically or forcefully toward someone: leveled charges of dishonesty.
To measure the different elevations of (a tract of land) with a level.

verb, intransitive

To bring persons or things to an equal level; equalize.
To aim a weapon horizontally.
Informal To be frank and open: advised the suspect to level with the authorities.

adverb

Along a flat or even line or plane.

Phrasal Verb: level off To move toward stability or consistency: Prices leveled off. To maneuver an aircraft into a flight attitude that is parallel to the surface of the earth after gaining or losing altitude.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English, an instrument to check that a surface is horizontal

Origin: , from Old French livel

Origin: , from Vulgar Latin *lībellum

Origin: , from Latin lībella

Origin: , diminutive of lībra, balance

Related Forms: