lev·el (lĕv'əl)
n.

1. 1. Relative position or rank on a scale: the local level of government; studying at the graduate level.
   2. 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. 1. A horizontal line or plane at right angles to the plumb.
   2. The position or height of such a line or plane.
5. A flat, horizontal surface.
6. A land area of uniform elevation.
7. 1. 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.
   2. Such a device combined with a telescope and used in surveying.
   3. 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. 1. Being at the same height or position as another; even.
   2. Being at the same degree of rank, standing, or advantage as another; equal.
   3. 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., -eled, or -elled, -el·ing, or -el·ling, -els, or -els.

v.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

1. The best one can do in an earnest attempt: I did my level best in math class.

on the level Informal.

1. 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.]

levelly lev'el·ly adv.
levelness lev'el·ness n.

SYNONYMS   level, flat, even, plane, smooth, flush. 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.

---

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

---