leveler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Historical, Technical
Quick answer
What does “leveler” mean?
A person or thing that makes things equal or removes differences.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or thing that makes things equal or removes differences.
A tool or implement for making a surface flat and even; historically, a political radical advocating for equality of rights, property, or social status.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'leveler' is primary in American English; 'leveller' is primary in British English, especially for the political sense. The tool sense commonly uses 'leveller' in UK technical contexts.
Connotations
In historical/political contexts, 'Leveller' (capitalised) specifically refers to 17th-century English radicals. The term carries stronger historical weight in British English.
Frequency
The tool/implement sense is more frequent in both varieties. The social/political sense is less common outside historical or figurative discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “leveler” in a Sentence
[Leveler] of [inequality/disparities][Death/time] is the great [leveler]Act as a [leveler]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “leveler” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council is levelling the old playing fields.
- Her criticism levelled a serious accusation at the minister.
American English
- The contractor is leveling the foundation for the new house.
- The lawsuit levels charges of fraud against the company.
adverb
British English
- She looked at him levelly, without blinking.
- Hold the camera levelly to avoid a tilted photo.
American English
- He spoke levelly, despite his anger.
- Fly the drone levelly to maintain a steady shot.
adjective
British English
- Ensure the surface is perfectly level before laying tiles.
- The two teams were level at half-time.
American English
- Use a level board for the shelf.
- The scores remained level throughout the match.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to market forces or technologies that reduce competitive advantages, e.g., 'The internet acted as a leveler for small retailers.'
Academic
Used in historical studies (the Levellers), sociology (social levelers), or engineering (construction tools).
Everyday
Most commonly refers to a tool for gardening or DIY, e.g., 'He used a leveler to flatten the patio base.'
Technical
A machine or attachment for grading land, spreading materials evenly, or ensuring a flat surface in construction.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “leveler”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “leveler”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “leveler”
- Confusing 'leveler' (noun) with 'to level' (verb). Misspelling as 'leveller' in US contexts. Using it to mean a person who simply checks levels (that's a 'surveyor' or 'inspector').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Leveller' is the standard British spelling, while 'leveler' is the standard American spelling, especially for the tool. The historical political group is often capitalised as 'Levellers' in both varieties.
A leveler (or levelling instrument) is primarily used to establish or check a horizontal plane. A theodolite is used for measuring both horizontal and vertical angles, crucial for surveying. A leveler gives a flat reference; a theodolite measures angles and distances.
Yes, in some contexts. While often positive (promoting equality), it can imply forced homogenization, reducing valuable diversity or excellence to a mediocre standard, as in 'a leveling down of culture'.
It is used specifically for the English radical democratic movement (c. 1645-1649). In modern figurative use, it is applied to any person or policy advocating for radical equality, often with a historical or rhetorical tone.
A person or thing that makes things equal or removes differences.
Leveler is usually formal, historical, technical in register.
Leveler: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɛv.əl.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɛv.əl.ər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Death is the great leveler.”
- “Time is a leveler.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LEVELER making everything on the same LEVEL.
Conceptual Metaphor
EQUALITY IS FLATNESS / INEQUALITY IS UNEVEN GROUND
Practice
Quiz
In a British construction manual, you are most likely to find the spelling: