level
level
Pronunciation
Phonetic Spelling: level
The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) spelling for level is: /ˈlɛvəl/
lev- (/lɛv/):
l - The /l/ sound (voiced alveolar lateral approximant), as in light.
e - The /ɛ/ sound (open-mid front unrounded vowel), as in bed or get.
v - The /v/ sound (voiced labiodental fricative), as in vest.
-el (/əl/):
This syllable is often pronounced with a schwa /ə/ followed by /l/, or as a single syllabic consonant /l̩/, where the 'l' sound forms the core of the syllable.
Word Form Variations
Noun (singular): level
Noun (plural): levels
Verb (base): level
Verb (present tense, 3rd person singular): levels
Verb (past tense/past participle): leveled (American English) or levelled (British English)
Verb (present participle/gerund): leveling (American English) or levelling (British English)
Adjective: level
Adverb: levelly
Related Noun: leveler (or leveller)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A specific height, rank, or position relative to a reference point or scale.
Synonyms: height, elevation, plane, grade, rank, tier, echelon
Antonyms: slope, incline, gradient
A tool containing a vial of liquid with an air bubble, used to determine if a surface is perfectly horizontal or vertical.
Synonyms: spirit level, bubble level, carpenter's level
Antonyms: N/A
A stage or degree of attainment, difficulty, or intensity within a system or hierarchy.
Synonyms: stage, degree, standard, point, measure
Antonyms: N/A
Verb
To make a surface smooth, flat, or horizontal.
Synonyms: flatten, smooth, even out, grade
Antonyms: roughen, tilt, slope, incline
To completely demolish or destroy something, reducing it to the ground.
Synonyms: demolish, raze, destroy, flatten, bulldoze
Antonyms: build, construct, raise, erect
To aim or direct something, such as a weapon, a look, or an accusation, squarely at a target.
Synonyms: aim, point, direct, train
Antonyms: withdraw, retract, sheathe
(Often with "with") To be completely honest, open, and frank with someone.
Synonyms: be straight with, be honest with, come clean, be frank
Antonyms: deceive, mislead, lie, misinform
Adjective
Having a flat, smooth, and horizontal surface with no part higher or lower than another.
Synonyms: flat, horizontal, even, smooth, uniform
Antonyms: uneven, sloped, slanted, tilted, bumpy, hilly
Being at the same position, score, or rank as someone or something else; tied.
Synonyms: equal, even, tied, neck and neck, balanced
Antonyms: unequal, behind, ahead, leading, trailing
Calm, steady, and not showing strong emotion, especially in voice or gaze.
Synonyms: steady, calm, even, stable, composed, unflappable
Antonyms: unsteady, shaky, emotional, agitated, frantic
Examples of Use
Here are several real-world examples of how the word "level" is used.
As a Noun
In Online News (referring to height): "The report concludes that without steep, immediate emissions cuts, the world is failing to get a handle on sea level rise." (NPR, February 2024)
In Gaming Journalism (referring to a stage): "After reaching the max level, players can unlock new endgame content and challenges." (Polygon)
In Government & Public Discourse (referring to intensity): "The Department of Homeland Security uses the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) to communicate information about terrorist threats by providing timely information to the public... an NTAS Alert is issued for a specific or imminent threat, defining the threat level." (Department of Homeland Security)
In DIY & Construction (referring to a tool): "To make sure the picture hangs straight, place a level on top of the frame and adjust until the bubble is centered."
As a Verb
In Literature (referring to aiming): "She leveled a cool gaze at him, her expression unreadable." (The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides)
In Political News (referring to accusations): "During the debate, the challenger leveled charges of corruption against the incumbent senator." (Associated Press, October 2024)
In Film & Entertainment (referring to honesty): In the movie Pulp Fiction, the character Marsellus Wallace tells Butch, "Level with me. Is it the pride?"
In News Reports (referring to destruction): "The wildfire was so intense it leveled most of the small mountain town in a matter of hours." (The Guardian, August 2023)
In Construction/Landscaping (referring to making flat): "The first step in building the patio is to level the ground and pack it with gravel for a stable foundation."
As an Adjective
In Sports Broadcasting (referring to an equal score): "With that last-second field goal, the two teams are level at 24-24, and it looks like we're going into overtime!" (ESPN broadcast)
In General Conversation (referring to a calm demeanor): "Despite the chaos around him, the pilot spoke in a calm, level voice as he gave instructions to the crew."
In Product Descriptions (referring to a flat surface): "This tripod features a bubble indicator to ensure your camera is perfectly level for panoramic shots."
10 Famous Quotes Using Level
No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it. (Albert Einstein)
You do not rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems. (James Clear)
We don't rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training. (Archilochus)
Once you get to your highest level, then you have to be unselfish. (Michael Jordan)
Raise your level of performance to meet your expectations. (Ralph Marston)
Nature invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain. (Henry David Thoreau)
Having listened to your lecture I am still confused, but on a higher level. (Enrico Fermi)
The secret of your success is found in your daily routine, which will take you to the next level. (John C. Maxwell)
A child's greatest achievements are possible in play, achievements that tomorrow will become her basic level of real action. (Lev Vygotsky)
The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams on a whole new level. (Oprah Winfrey)
Etymology
The word level traces its origins back to the Latin word libra, which meant "a balance" or "a pair of scales." ⚖️
From Scales to Surfaces
The Romans created a diminutive form of libra called libella, which literally meant "a small balance." Because a balance scale must be perfectly horizontal to function correctly, the name libella was also given to a builder's tool used to check if a surface was flat. Think of it like this: the tool's purpose was to achieve the same perfect balance as a scale.
This tool was the direct ancestor of the modern carpenter's level.
Journey into English
The word traveled from Latin into Old French as livel. It was then adopted into Middle English around the 14th century as level.
The first known use of the word in English was to describe that specific carpenter's tool. The original meaning wasn't the idea of flatness but the physical object used to find it. Over time, the word's meaning naturally expanded from the tool itself to the concept it represented: a flat surface, a specific height (like sea level), or a stage in a hierarchy.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Level
A level playing field: A situation that is fair because everyone has the same opportunities.
Level with me: A request for someone to be completely honest and direct.
On the level: A phrase meaning that someone or something is honest, legitimate, and trustworthy.
Do one's level best: To try as hard as one possibly can to achieve something.
Find your own level: The idea that people will naturally gravitate to a position, group, or situation that matches their abilities or character.
A level head / To be level-headed: To be calm, sensible, and rational, especially during a crisis.
Take it to the next level: To advance or improve something that is already successful.
Entry-level: Describing a job or position at the most basic or junior rank within a company or profession.
Ground level: The literal level of the ground, or metaphorically, the most fundamental or initial stage of an enterprise.
Spirit level: The common name for a carpenter's tool used to determine if a surface is perfectly horizontal or vertical.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of level from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
