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level
/ˈlɛv.əl/
The term primarily describes a state of equilibrium or flatness, whether physical or conceptual. When applied to a surface, it suggests a lack of incline, creating a stable foundation that prevents movement or imbalance.
In a social or professional sense, the word describes a position in a hierarchy or a degree of intensity. It implies a specific stage of progression or a comparative status, such as a skill level or a pay level, marking a distinct boundary between different grades of achievement.
💬Casual Conversation
Did you check if the display monitors are level?
I'm literally drowning in revisions, I'll get to it.
Meanings
Examples
Is this table level or is my drink sliding?
Look, the whole floor is level, you just can't dance.
I swear this picture is level, stop touching it!
If the foundation isn't level, the whole house shifts.
Keep your gaze level and just breathe through the panic.
Why is the water not level in this tank?
Collocations & Compounds
perfectly level
completely flat and horizontal
The countertop must be perfectly level.
level surface
a flat area
Place the vase on a level surface.
level ground
flat land
It is easier to pitch a tent on level ground.
level plane
a flat geometric surface
The two objects exist on a level plane.
level head
balanced and calm
She kept a level head during the crisis.
Phrasal Verbs
level off
to stop rising or falling
The prices finally leveled off after the surge.
Idioms & Sayings
level the playing field
to make a situation fair for everyone
The new regulations helped level the playing field for small businesses.
Etymology
Derived from the Old French 'level', which comes from the Latin 'libella', a diminutive of 'libra' meaning "balance" or "scales". The term originally referred to an instrument used to determine if a surface was horizontal, evolving from the concept of weighing and balancing to describing flatness and eventually extending to metaphorical ranks and positions.