level
C1All registers: formal, informal, technical, academic
Definition
Meaning
A horizontal plane or line indicating a position of equal height, value, or standard.
Refers to a position, stage, or degree in a scale or hierarchy; can also denote a state of equality, fairness, or a tool for establishing horizontality.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Highly polysemous word, functioning as noun, verb, and adjective. The core concept across all uses is equality, measurement, or horizontality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In AmE, "grade" or "grade level" is more common for a student's year in school. BrE uses "level" more broadly in qualifications (e.g., A-level). 'Level playing field' is common in both, but "level with someone" (tell truth) is more BrE.
Connotations
Neutral in both, though "level-headed" has positive connotations of calm rationality.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties with similar core usage.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Level something at someone/something (v.)Be level with something (adj.)On a level with (n.)Level something out/off (v.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the level (honest)”
- “level playing field (fair competition)”
- “do one's level best (try very hard)”
- “find one's level (find appropriate position)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"We need to assess the skill level of the team." / "The project is on budget and on schedule."
Academic
"The study was conducted at an advanced level." / "The water level in the beaker was recorded."
Everyday
"What level are you on in that game?" / "Can you level the picture frame?"
Technical
"The laser ensures a perfectly level surface." / "The instrument measures decibel levels."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to level the lawn before we lay the turf.
- He finally levelled with his boss about the problems.
American English
- They had to level the old building to make space.
- The plane leveled off at 35,000 feet.
adverb
British English
- He looked at her levelly, without flinching.
- The shot was fired level with his shoulder.
American English
- She stared levelly across the table.
- Hold the camera level for the best shot.
adjective
British English
- Make sure the shelf is perfectly level.
- She gave him a level look, refusing to be intimidated.
American English
- The cake layers need to be level for stacking.
- He remained level-headed during the crisis.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The water level in the glass is high.
- My English level is beginner.
- Please speak slowly; my language level isn't advanced.
- The picture on the wall isn't level.
- Profits have levelled off after a period of rapid growth.
- The negotiations were conducted on a high diplomatic level.
- The criticism levelled at the government was both harsh and justified.
- The two athletes were not competing on a level playing field due to unequal funding.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a spirit LEVEL with a bubble in liquid; the bubble finds the LEVEL, horizontal position.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY/STATUS IS VERTICALITY (e.g., high level, low level); FAIRNESS IS HORIZONTALITY (e.g., level playing field).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing noun 'level' (уровень) with verb 'to level' (выравнивать, разрушать до основания). 'Level with someone' means быть откровенным, not просто 'быть наравне'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'level' as adjective (flat) with 'level' as noun (standard). Incorrect: 'He is a very level person.' (ambiguous). Correct: 'He is very level-headed.'
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'a level playing field', what does 'level' primarily mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most frequently used as a noun, but its verbal and adjectival uses are also very common, making it a versatile word.
'Standard' often implies a benchmark of quality or acceptability. 'Level' is more neutral, indicating a position on a scale (high/low) or a degree of achievement (language level).
Yes, as a verb, 'to level' can mean to completely demolish or raze a building or structure to the ground.
It means to formally accuse or criticize someone, to direct a charge or allegation at them.