level
 lev·el (lĕvʹəl)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.
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.
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, or lev·elled lev·el·ing, or lev·el·ling lev·els or lev·elsv. tr.
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.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.
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.Idioms:(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.] levʹel·ly adv.levʹel·ness n.
Synonyms: level, flat1, even1, plane1, smooth, flush
1 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: a flat rock. 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: a door that is flush with the wall. See also synonyms at aim
|
|
