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Added 9 October 2026

level

/ˈlɛvəl/ noun

In Latin: plānus Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about level at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality.
a moderate grade of intelligence
A relative position or degree of value in a graded group.
lumber of the highest grade
A specific identifiable position in a continuum or series or especially in a process.
a remarkable degree of frankness

verb

Aim at.
level criticism or charges at somebody
Tear down so as to make flat with the ground.
The building was levelled
Make level or straight.
level the ground

adjective

Having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another.
a flat desk
Not showing abrupt variations.
spoke in a level voice
Being on a precise horizontal plane.
a billiard table must be level

Origin

From Middle English level, from Old French livel, liveau m, later nivel, niveau, from Latin libella f (“a balance, a level”), diminutive of libra f (“a balance, a level”); see libra, librate. Doublet of libella and niveau. The verb is from Middle English levelen, from the noun.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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