level
level
(lĕvʹəl) noun
1.
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.
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. a. A horizontal line or plane at right angles to the plumb. b. The position or height of such a line or plane.
5. A flat, horizontal surface.
6. A land area of uniform elevation.
7. 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.
8. Computer Science. A bit, an element, a channel, or a row of information.
adjective
1.
Having a flat, smooth surface.
2.
Being on a horizontal plane.
3.
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.
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 cough medicine.
verb
leveled
or levelled,, leveling or levelling,, levels or levels
verb
, transitive
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.
verb
, intransitive
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 verb.
level off
1.
To move toward stability or consistency: Prices leveled off.
2.
To maneuver an aircraft into a flight attitude that is parallel to the surface of the earth after gaining or losing altitude.
idiom.
(one's) level best
The best one can do in an earnest attempt: I did my level best in math class.
on the level Informal
Without deception; honest.
[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.]
lev
ʹelly adverb
lev
ʹelness noun
Synonyms:
level, flat, even, plane, smooth, flush. These adjectives are applicable to surfaces without irregularities in the form of 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 desk; flat country; a flat rock. Even refers to flat surfaces in which no part is higher or lower than another: The water in the pool is as even as a mirror. Plane is principally a mathematical term and refers 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 even slight irregularities can be established by sight or touch: smooth marble; a smooth skin. Flush applies to a surface that is on an exact level with an adjoining one, forming a continuous surface: a door that is flush with the wall. See also synonyms at aim.