level

LEV-uhl/ˈlɛv.l̩/

Plurallevels

Adjectiveleveler, leveller, levelest, levellest

24 meanings of level

Practice

1
degreenouncountable
How much of something there is, or how strong it is.
Like the line on a measuring cup that shows how much is inside.
The noise level in the cafeteria was very high today.
Doctors checked her sugar level after the test.
UsageSay a high level of noise, or stress levels.
Similardegree, amount, extent, quantity, intensity
2
gradenouncountable
A stage reached in learning, work, or another activity, including a school grade or year.
Like the steps on a ladder, where each step takes you higher than the last.
She plays piano at a very high level for her age.
This class is for students at the beginner level.
UsageSay at a high level or at beginner level.
Similarstandard, stage, grade, degree, tier
3
how highnouncountable
The height of something compared with a fixed point, such as the sea or the ground.
Like a mark on the wall that shows how tall a child has grown.
The water level in the river rose after the heavy rain.
The town sits two hundred feet above sea level.
UsageSay above sea level or the water level.
Similarheight, elevation, depth
4
floornouncountable
One floor of a building that has more than one floor.
Like the layers of a cake stacked on top of each other.
We parked on level two of the parking garage.
Take the elevator to the top level to see the view.
UsageSay on level two.
Similarfloor, story, storey, deck
5
game stagenouncountable
One part of a video game that you must finish before the next part.
Like chapters in a book that you read one at a time, in order.
I finally beat the last level of the game.
This level has a big boss waiting at the end.
UsageSay you beat a level or reach level seven.
Similarstage, zone, world
Note
6
flatadjective
Flat and even, with no part higher than another.
Like a playing field with no bumps, where every part is the same height.
Make sure the table is level before you put the glasses on it.
We looked for a level spot to set up our tent.
Similarflush
Oppositeuneven, sloping, tilted, bumpy
Note

Less common meanings

7
make flatverbtransitive
To make a surface flat and even, or make something stand straight.
Like smoothing the top of sand in a bucket until it is flat.
Dad leveled the picture frame on the wall.
We need to level the ground before we plant the grass.
UsageAmerican: leveled. British: levelled.
Similarflatten, even, grade, smooth
8
bubble toolnouncountable
A tool that shows if a surface is flat or straight up and down.
She used a level to hang the shelf straight.
The bubble in the level moved to the middle when the board was flat.
Note
9
character ranknouncountable
A number in a game that shows how strong or skilled a character is.
Like a belt color in karate, where a higher level shows more skill.
My character is at level ten now.
You need a higher level to use this sword.
UsageSay your character is level ten or reached level ten.
Similarrank
10
move up (games)verbintransitive
To move up to the next level in a game.
Like moving up a grade at school after you pass the year.
I leveled twice while playing last night.
You level faster if you finish the side quests.
UsageMost players say level up.
Similaradvance, progress
11
at equal heightadjective
At the same height as another thing, not higher or lower.
The water was level with the top of his boots.
Hold the camera level with your eyes.
UsageSay level with something: level with your eyes.
Similareven, flush, aligned
Note
12
same positionadjective
Equal with another person or team in position, points, or rank.
After two games, the teams were level on points.
The two runners were level as they reached the last turn.
UsageSay teams are level on points.
Similareven, equal, tied, abreast, square
Note
13
tie the gameverbintransitive
To tie the score during a game.
Our team needs to level before the final whistle.
She leveled with a free throw in the last second.
UsageSay a team levels, or levels the score.
Similarequalize
Note
14
destroyverbtransitive
To destroy a building or place completely so that nothing is left standing.
Like knocking down a tower of blocks until nothing is left standing.
The storm leveled several houses near the coast.
Workers will level the old factory next month.
UsageOften used in the passive: houses were leveled by the storm.
Similarraze, demolish, flatten, destroy, bulldoze
Oppositebuild, construct, erect, raise
15
aimverbtransitive
To point or aim something, like a gun, a look, or blame, at someone.
Like pointing an arrow straight at the middle of a target.
She leveled a serious look at her noisy classmates.
Reporters level tough questions at the mayor every week.
UsageSay level a gun or an accusation at someone.
Similaraim, point, direct, train
Note
16
be honestverbintransitive
To be honest with someone and tell them the truth.
I'm going to level with you: the movie was boring.
Just level with me. Did you break the window?
UsageSay I'll level with you before telling the truth.
17
make equalverbfigurativelytransitive
To make people or things equal in rank, condition, or rights.
Like cutting all the grass in a yard to the same height.
Free public schools help level the differences between rich and poor children.
Free school lunches help level the playing field for poor kids.
UsageOften level the playing field: make things fair.
Similarequalize, even, flatten
Oppositedifferentiate, stratify
Note
18
composedadjective
Calm and steady, not excited or unfair.
Try to keep a level head when things go wrong.
Her level look told the children the joke was over.
UsageSay keep a level head when things go wrong.
Similarcalm, steady, composed, cool, collected
Oppositeagitated, excitable, flustered
19
straightforwardadjective
Clear and direct, without hiding anything or confusing people.
a very plain and level account
1873, Matthew Arnold, Literature and Dogma
Similarstraightforward, direct, plain, frank, candid
Oppositeevasive, indirect, devious
20
adjust to suitverbtransitive
To change something so it fits a certain level or standard.
Teachers level stories so younger kids can read them.
She leveled the sound on the videos so they all play at the same volume.
Similaradjust, adapt, normalize, balance, standardize
Note
21
even voiceadjective
Staying the same, not getting higher, lower, louder, or softer.
Like one long musical note that never changes.
She read the list in a level tone, never going up or down.
His level voice made it hard to tell if he was asking a question.
UsageSay a level voice.
Similareven, steady, flat
Oppositeunsteady, shaky, wavering
Note
22
noun
One of the fixed options a category can take in a study or experiment.
23
noun
The number of steps from the top of a branching structure down to a certain point.
24
noundialectal
A wide stretch of land that is almost completely flat.
The troops grow mutinous—the revenue fails— There’s something rotten in us—for the level Of the State slopes, its very bases topple, The boldest turn their backs upon themselves!
1820, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Oedipus Tyrannus

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of level apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It comes from Latin 'libella', a small 'libra', meaning a balance or a level. English got it through Old French.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 4 facts

English 'level' ultimately derives from Latin 'libella'. en.wiktionary.org
Latin 'libella' is a diminutive of 'libra'. en.wiktionary.org
The Latin words mean a balance or a level. en.wiktionary.org
The word entered English through Old French. en.wiktionary.org