Translate level | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish Definition of level
noun
1a position on a real or imaginary scale of amount, quantity, extent, or quality:a high level of unemployment debt rose to unprecedented levels a social, moral, or intellectual standard:at six he could play chess at an advanced level a position in a real or notional hierarchy:a fairly junior level of management
2a height or distance from the ground or another stated or understood base:storms caused river levels to rise
3a device consisting of a sealed glass tube partially filled with alcohol or other liquid, containing an air bubble whose position reveals whether a surface is perfectly level or plumb. Also called spirit level, bubble level. Surveying an instrument for giving a horizontal line of sight.
4a flat tract of land:flooded levels
adjective
1having a flat and even surface without slopes or bumps:we had reached level ground at the same height as someone or something else:his eyes were level with hers having the same relative position; not in front of or behind:the car braked suddenly, then backed rapidly until it was level with me (of a quantity of a dry substance) with the contents not rising above the brim of the measure:a level teaspoon of salt unchanged; not having risen or fallen:earnings were level at 57 cents a share
2calm and steady:“Adrian,” she said in her most level voice
verb (levels, leveling, leveled; also chiefly Britishlevels, levelling, levelled)
1 [with object] give a flat and even surface to:contractors started leveling the ground for the new power station Surveying ascertain differences in the height of (land). demolish (a building or town):bulldozers are now waiting to level their home
2 [no object] (
level off/out)
begin to fly horizontally after climbing or diving. (of a path, road, or incline) cease to slope upward or downward:the track leveled out, and there below us was the bay cease to fall or rise in number, amount, or quantity:inflation has leveled out at an acceptable rate [with object] (
level something up/down)
increase or reduce the amount, number, or quantity of something in order to remove a disparity.
3 [with object] aim (a weapon):he leveled a long-barreled pistol at us direct (a criticism or accusation):accusations of corruption had been leveled against him
4 [no object] (
level with)
informal be frank or honest with (someone):when are you going to level with me?
