lev·el (lĕv́əl)

---

[Middle English, an instrument to check that a surface is horizontal, from Old French livel, from Vulgar Latin* lībellum, from Latin lībella diminutive of lībra, balance.]

noun 

1. 1. Relative position or rank on a scale: the local level of government; studying at the graduate level.
   2. A relative degree, as of achievement, intensity, or concentration: an unsafe level of toxicity; a high level of frustration.
2. A natural or proper position, place, or stage: I finally found my own level in the business world.
3. Position along a vertical axis; height or depth: a platform at knee level.
4. 1. A horizontal line or plane at right angles to the plumb.
   2. The position or height of such a line or plane.
5. A flat, horizontal surface.
6. A land area of uniform elevation.
7. 1. 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
   2. Such a device combined with a telescope and used in surveying.
   3. A computation of the difference in elevation between two points by using such a device.

adjective 

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

verb: -eled or -elled, -el·ing or -el·ling, -els or -els 

transitive verb 

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

intransitive verb 

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

adverb 

Along a flat or even line or plane.

phrasal verbs

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.

idioms

(one's) level best

The best one can do in an earnest attempt: I did my level best in math class.

on the level

Without deception; honest.

derivatives

lev́el·ly

adverb

lev́el·ness

noun

synonyms:

level, flat¹even¹plane¹smooth, flush¹ These adjectives describe surfaces without elevations or depressions. Level implies being parallel with the line of the horizon: acres of level farmland. Flat applies to surfaces without curves, protuberances, or indentations: a flat rock. Even refers to flat surfaces in which no part is higher or lower than another: the even surface of the mirror. Plane is a mathematical term referring to a surface containing all the straight lines connecting any two points on it: a plane figure. Smooth describes a surface on which the absence of irregularities can be established by sight or touch: smooth marble. Flush applies to a surface that is on an exact level with an adjoining one: a door that is flush with the wall.

See also: aim