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n. 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. adj. 1. Having a flat, smooth surface: a level countertop. 2. Being on a horizontal plane: a level field. 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. c. 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. v. lev·eled, lev·el·ing, lev·els or lev·elled or lev·el·ling v.tr. 1. a. To make horizontal, flat, or even: leveled the driveway with a roller; leveled off the hedges with the clippers. b. To place on the same rank; equalize. 2. a. To tear down (a building, for example); raze. b. To knock down, as with a blow; lay low: leveled the opponent with an uppercut. 3. a. To aim along a horizontal plane: leveled the gun at the target. b. To direct emphatically or forcefully toward someone: leveled charges of dishonesty. See Synonyms at aim. 4. To measure the different elevations of (a tract of land) with a level. v.intr. 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. adv. Phrasal Verb: Along a flat or even line or plane. level off Idioms: 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. (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.] level·ly adv. level·ness n. Synonyms: level, flat1, even1, plane1, smooth, 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: "There were no woods behind the yard, just an expanse of flat cleared land and then a hill that sloped down into the former quarry" (Frederick Reiken). 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: The door is flush with the wall. See Also Synonyms at aim. |
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