having no part higher than another; having a flat or even surface.
2.
being in a plane parallel to the plane of the horizon; horizontal.
3.
equal, as one thing with another or two or more things with one another.
4.
even, equable, or uniform.
5.
filled to a height even with the rim of a container: a level teaspoon of salt.
6.
mentally well-balanced; sensible; rational: to keep a level head in a crisis.
–noun
7.
a device used for determining or adjusting something to a horizontal surface.
8.
Surveying.
a.
Also called surveyor's level.an instrument for observing levels, having a sighting device, usually telescopic, and capable of being made precisely horizontal.
an imaginary line or surface everywhere at right angles to the plumb line.
10.
the horizontal line or plane in which anything is situated, with regard to its elevation.
11.
a horizontal position or condition.
12.
an extent of land approximately horizontal and unbroken by irregularities.
13.
a level or flat surface.
14.
a position with respect to a given or specified height: The water rose to a level of 30 feet.
15.
a position or plane in a graded scale of values; status; rank: His acting was on the level of an amateur. They associated only with those on their own economic level.
16.
an extent, measure, or degree of intensity, achievement, etc.: a high level of sound; an average level of writing skill.
17.
Linguistics. a major subdivision of linguistic structure, as phonology, morphology, or syntax, often viewed as hierarchically ordered. Compare component(def. 6a), stratum(def. 8).
18.
Mining. the interconnected horizontal mine workings at a particular elevation or depth: There had been a cave-in on the 1500-foot level.
–verb (used with object)
19.
to make (a surface) level, even, or flat: to level ground before building.
20.
to raise or lower to a particular level or position; to make horizontal.
21.
to bring (something) to the level of the ground: They leveled the trees to make way for the new highway.
22.
Informal. to knock down (a person): He leveled his opponent with one blow.
23.
to make equal, as in status or condition.
24.
to make even or uniform, as coloring.
25.
Historical Linguistics. (of the alternative forms of a paradigm) to reduce in number or regularize: Old English “him” (dative) and “hine” (accusative) have been leveled to Modern English “him.”
26.
to aim or point (a weapon, criticism, etc.) at a mark or objective: He leveled his criticism at the college as a whole.
27.
Surveying. to find the relative elevation of different points in (land), as with a level.
–verb (used without object)
28.
to bring things or persons to a common level.
29.
to aim a weapon, criticism, etc., at a mark or objective.
30.
Surveying.
a.
to take a level.
b.
to use a leveling instrument.
31.
to speak truthfully and openly (often fol. by with): You're not leveling with me about your trip to Chicago.
32.
Obsolete. to direct the mind, purpose, etc., at something.
–adverb
33.
Obsolete. in a level, direct, or even way or line.
—Verb phrase
34.
level off,
a.
Aeronautics. to maintain a constant altitude after a climb or descent.
b.
to become stable; reach a constant or limit.
c.
to make even or smooth.
—Idioms
35.
find one's or one's own level, to attain the place or position merited by one's abilities or achievements: He finally found his level as one of the directors of the firm.
36.
one's level best, one's very best; one's utmost: We tried our level best to get here on time.
37.
on the level, Informal. honest; sincere; reliable: Is this information on the level?
[Origin: 1300–50; ME (n. and v.), var. of livel (n.) < MF < VL *lībellum, for L lībella plummet line, level, dim. of lībra balance, scales; for formation, see castellum]
—Related forms
lev·el·ly, adverb
lev·el·ness, noun
—Synonyms 1, 2. flush. Level,even,flat,smooth suggest a uniform surface without marked unevenness. That which is level is parallel to the horizon: a level surface; A billiard table must be level. Flat is applied to any plane surface free from marked irregularities: a flat roof. With reference to land or country, flat connotes lowness or unattractiveness; level does not suggest anything derogatory. That which is even is free from irregularities, though not necessarily level or plane: an even land surface with no hills. Smooth suggests a high degree of evenness in any surface, esp. to the touch and sometimes to the sight: as smooth as silk. 19. smooth, flatten. 21. raze, demolish, destroy. 23. equalize. 26. direct.
Relative position or rank on a scale: the local level of government; studying at the graduate level.
A relative degree, as of achievement, intensity, or concentration: an unsafe level of toxicity; a high level of frustration.
A horizontal line or plane at right angles to the plumb.
The position or height of such a line or plane.
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.
Such a device combined with a telescope and used in surveying.
A computation of the difference in elevation between two points by using such a device.
A natural or proper position, place, or stage: I finally found my own level in the business world.
Position along a vertical axis; height or depth: a platform at knee level.
A horizontal line or plane at right angles to the plumb.
The position or height of such a line or plane.
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.
Such a device combined with a telescope and used in surveying.
A computation of the difference in elevation between two points by using such a device.
A flat, horizontal surface.
A land area of uniform elevation.
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.
Such a device combined with a telescope and used in surveying.
A computation of the difference in elevation between two points by using such a device.
adj.
Having a flat, smooth surface.
Being on a horizontal plane.
Being at the same height or position as another; even.
Being at the same degree of rank, standing, or advantage as another; equal.
Being or relating to a specified rank or standing. Often used in combination: a lower-level administrator.
Exhibiting no abrupt variations; steady: spoke in a level tone.
Rational and balanced; sensible: came to a level appraisal of the situation; keeps a level head in an emergency.
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
v.
tr.
To make horizontal, flat, or even: leveled the driveway with a roller; leveled off the hedges with the clippers.
To tear down; raze.
To knock down with or as if with a blow: The challenger leveled the champion with a mighty uppercut.
To place on the same level; equalize.
To aim along a horizontal plane: leveled the gun at the target.
To direct emphatically or forcefully toward someone: leveled charges of dishonesty.
To measure the different elevations of (a tract of land) with a level.
v.
intr.
To bring persons or things to an equal level; equalize.
To aim a weapon horizontally.
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(s): level off
To move toward stability or consistency: Prices leveled off.
To maneuver an aircraft into a flight attitude that is parallel to the surface of the earth after gaining or losing altitude.
Idiom(s):
(one's) level best
The best one can do in an earnest attempt: I did my level best in math class.
Idiom(s):
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.]
lev'el·ly adv., lev'el·ness n.
Synonyms: 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.
1340, from O.Fr. livel, from L. libella "a balance, level," dim. of libra "balance, scale, unit of weight." The adj. is 1559, from the noun. The verb in the slang sense of "tell the truth" is from 1920. Notion of "balanced" is behind level-headed (1876). The Levellers (1644) were a political party of the time of Charles I that advocated abolishing all differences of position and rank. Cognate Sp. nivel, Mod.Fr. niveau are from the same source but altered by dissimilation.
having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another; "a flat desk"; "acres of level farmland"; "a plane surface"; "skirts sewn with fine flat seams" [syn: flat]
2.
not showing abrupt variations; "spoke in a level voice"; "she gave him a level look"- Louis Auchincloss
3.
being on a precise horizontal plane; "a billiard table must be level"
4.
oriented at right angles to the plumb; "the picture is level"
5.
of the score in a contest; "the score is tied" [syn: tied]
noun
1.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality; "a moderate grade of intelligence"; "a high level of care is required"; "it is all a matter of degree" [syn: degree]
2.
a relative position or degree of value in a graded group; "lumber of the highest grade" [syn: grade]
3.
a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series or especially in a process; "a remarkable degree of frankness"; "at what stage are the social sciences?" [syn: degree]
4.
height above ground; "the water reached ankle level"; "the pictures were at the same level"
5.
indicator that establishes the horizontal when a bubble is centered in a tube of liquid
6.
a flat surface at right angles to a plumb line; "park the car on the level" [syn: horizontal surface]
7.
an abstract place usually conceived as having depth; "a good actor communicates on several levels"; "a simile has at least two layers of meaning"; "the mind functions on many strata simultaneously"
8.
a structure consisting of a room or set of rooms at a single position along a vertical scale; "what level is the office on?" [syn: floor]
verb
1.
aim at; "level criticism or charges at somebody"
2.
tear down so as to make flat with the ground; "The building was levelled" [ant: erect]
3.
make level or straight; "level the ground" [syn: flush]
4.
direct into a position for use; "point a gun"; "He charged his weapon at me" [syn: charge]
5.
talk frankly with; lay it on the line; "I have to level with you"
Main Entry: lev·el Pronunciation: 'lev-&l Function: noun 1: a characteristic and fairly uniform concentration of a constituent of the
blood or other body fluid <a normal blood-sugar level> 2 a: a degree of ability or aptitude or measure of performance b: a grade of mental and
emotional development or maturity <evidence as to levels of personality development (e.g., anal, oral) —G. P. Murdock>
Level Plains, AL (town, FIPS 42472) Location: 31.30636 N, 85.76672 W Population (1990): 1473 (608 housing units) Area: 7.5 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)
Level Park-Oak Park, MI (CDP, FIPS 47230) Location: 42.36348 N, 85.26936 W Population (1990): 3502 (1333 housing units) Area: 13.8 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)
Red Level, AL (town, FIPS 63768) Location: 31.40418 N, 86.60820 W Population (1990): 588 (257 housing units) Area: 4.9 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water) Zip code(s): 36474
Sandy Level, VA Zip code(s): 24161
Pine Level, NC (town, FIPS 52020) Location: 35.51002 N, 78.24617 W Population (1990): 1217 (558 housing units) Area: 2.7 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)
Scalp Level, PA (borough, FIPS 68104) Location: 40.24928 N, 78.84395 W Population (1990): 1158 (476 housing units) Area: 1.6 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)
Lev"el\ (l[e^]v"[e^]l), n. [OE. level, livel, OF. livel, F. niveau, fr. L. libella level, water level, a plumb level, dim. of libra pound, measure for liquids, balance, water poise, level. Cf. Librate, Libella.]1. A line or surface to which, at every point, a vertical or plumb line is perpendicular; a line or surface which is everywhere parallel to the surface of still water; -- this is the true level, and is a curve or surface in which all points are equally distant from the center of the earth, or rather would be so if the earth were an exact sphere. 2. A horizontal line or plane; that is, a straight line or a plane which is tangent to a true level at a given point and hence parallel to the horizon at that point; -- this is the apparent level at the given point. 3. An approximately horizontal line or surface at a certain degree of altitude, or distance from the center of the earth; as, to climb from the level of the coast to the level of the plateau and then descend to the level of the valley or of the sea. After draining of the level in Northamptonshire. --Sir M. Hale. Shot from the deadly level of a gun. --Shak. 4. Hence, figuratively, a certain position, rank, standard, degree, quality, character, etc., conceived of as in one of several planes of different elevation. Providence, for the most part, sets us on a level. --Addison. Somebody there of his own level. --Swift. Be the fair level of thy actions laid As temperance wills and prudence may persuade. --Prior. 5. A uniform or average height; a normal plane or altitude; a condition conformable to natural law or which will secure a level surface; as, moving fluids seek a level. When merit shall find its level. --F. W. Robertson. 6. (Mech. & Surv.) (a) An instrument by which to find a horizontal line, or adjust something with reference to a horizontal line. (b) A measurement of the difference of altitude of two points, by means of a level; as, to take a level. 7. A horizontal passage, drift, or adit, in a mine. Air level, a spirit level. See Spirit level (below). Box level, a spirit level in which a glass-covered box is used instead of a tube. Carpenter's level, Mason's level, either the plumb level or a straight bar of wood, in which is imbedded a small spirit level. Level of the sea, the imaginary level from which heights and depths are calculated, taken at a mean distance between high and low water. Line of levels, a connected series of measurements, by means of a level, along a given line, as of a railroad, to ascertain the profile of the ground. Plumb level, one in which a horizontal bar is placed in true position by means of a plumb line, to which it is at right angles. Spirit level, one in which the adjustment to the horizon is shown by the position of a bubble in alcohol or ether contained in a nearly horizontal glass tube, or a circular box with a glass cover. Surveyor's level, a telescope, with a spirit level attached, and with suitable screws, etc., for accurate adjustment, the whole mounted on a tripod, for use in leveling; -- called also leveling instrument. Water level, an instrument to show the level by means of the surface of water in a trough, or in upright tubes connected by a pipe.
Lev"el\ (l[e^]v"[e^]l), a. 1. Even; flat; having no part higher than another; having, or conforming to, the curvature which belongs to the undisturbed liquid parts of the earth's surface; as, a level field; level ground; the level surface of a pond or lake. Ample spaces o'er the smooth And level pavement. --Milton. 2. Coinciding or parallel with the plane of the horizon; horizontal; as, the telescope is now level. 3. Even with anything else; of the same height; on the same line or plane; on the same footing; of equal importance; -- followed by with, sometimes by to. Young boys and girls Are level now with men; the odds is gone. --Shak. Everything lies level to our wish. --Shak. 4. Straightforward; direct; clear; open. A very plain and level account. --M. Arnold. 5. Well balanced; even; just; steady; impartial; as, a level head; a level understanding. [Colloq.] " A level consideration." --Shak. 6. (Phonetics) Of even tone; without rising or falling inflection. --H. Sweet. Level line (Shipbuilding), the outline of a section which is horizontal crosswise, and parallel with the rabbet of the keel lengthwise. Level surface (Physics), an equipotential surface at right angles at every point to the lines of force.
Lev"el\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Leveled (-[e^]ld) or Levelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Leveling or Levelling.]1. To make level; to make horizontal; to bring to the condition of a level line or surface; hence, to make flat or even; as, to level a road, a walk, or a garden. 2. To bring to a lower level; to overthrow; to topple down; to reduce to a flat surface; to lower. And their proud structures level with the ground. --Sandys. He levels mountains and he raises plains. --Dryden. 3. To bring to a horizontal position, as a gun; hence, to point in taking aim; to aim; to direct. Bertram de Gordon, standing on the castle wall, leveled a quarrel out of a crossbow. --Stow. 4. Figuratively, to bring to a common level or plane, in respect of rank, condition, character, privilege, etc.; as, to level all the ranks and conditions of men. 5. To adjust or adapt to a certain level; as, to level remarks to the capacity of children. For all his mind on honor fixed is, To which he levels all his purposes. --Spenser.
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