level
level — verb
1. to create an even, flat surface by taking away raised sections and filling in lo
to create an even, flat surface by taking away raised sections and filling in lower spots, removing any bumps or dips.
Jiwoo spent the afternoon levelling the garden soil before planting the vegetable seeds.
level + surface (soil/ground) for a purpose
The old railway line was removed and the ground levelled for a new park.
passive: be levelled for [purpose]
The bulldozer levelled the uneven ground in under two hours.
Adaeze levelled the chocolate mixture in the cake tin with a spatula.
level + soft/food substance in a container
- level the ground
- level the soil
- level a surface
- level out
- level off
- roughen
to make a surface uneven on purpose
Grammar Patterns
level + object (ground/surface)
level + object + adverb (out/off)
Usage Note
Often used with an adverb such as 'out' or 'off': 'level out the bumps' or 'level off the top'.
Common Mistakes
2. to knock down a building or structure completely, so that nothing is left standi
to knock down a building or structure completely, so that nothing is left standing above the ground.
The earthquake levelled most of the old houses in the mountain village.
level + building/structure (destroyed by natural force)
Entire city blocks were levelled by the fire that swept through the downtown area.
passive: be levelled by [disaster]
The army used explosives to level the abandoned factory before rebuilding.
The bombs levelled the entire port district during the war.
level + large area (military context)
- level a building
- level a city
- level a village
- leveled by an earthquake
- leveled by fire
Grammar Patterns
level + building/structure/city
Usage Note
Stronger than 'damage' or 'partially destroy' — 'level' means the structure is reduced to the same height as the ground. Often used with natural disasters or military action.
Common Mistakes
3. to point or aim something at someone, such as a weapon, or to direct words like
to point or aim something at someone, such as a weapon, or to direct words like criticism or an accusation at a particular person.
During the debate, Tyler levelled serious accusations at the city council members.
level + accusation + at + person/group
The soldier levelled his rifle at the target and waited for the command to fire.
level + weapon + at + target
Several complaints have been levelled against the company's waste-disposal methods.
passive: be levelled against [someone/something]
Critics have levelled similar charges against other social media platforms.
level + charges/accusations against [target]
- level accusations at
- level criticism at
- level a gun at
- level charges against
- complaints levelled against
Grammar Patterns
level + accusation/criticism + at someone
level + weapon + at target
be levelled at/against someone
Usage Note
When used for criticism or accusations, this is frequently passive (be levelled at/against). When used for a weapon, it is typically active with a direct object.
Common Mistakes
4. to speak honestly and directly to someone about something difficult or unpleasan
to speak honestly and directly to someone about something difficult or unpleasant, without hiding information or trying to avoid the topic.
Putri decided to level with her parents about the dent in the car door.
level with someone about something
I need you to level with me — will the project be ready on time?
direct appeal: level with me
After weeks of silence, the manager finally levelled with the team about the budget cuts.
After the meeting, Imran levelled with his colleague about the failed partnership.
- level with someone
- level with someone about something
- finally level with
- come clean
more informal; specifically about admitting wrongdoing
- be straight with
similar register; emphasises directness
- open up
softer; about sharing feelings, not necessarily bad news
Grammar Patterns
level with + someone
level with + someone + about + something
Usage Note
Always followed by 'with + person'. Cannot be used transitively ('level someone' is wrong in this sense). Common in informal conversations about admitting mistakes or sharing bad news.
Common Mistakes
level off / level out
phrasal verbto stop rising or falling and stay at a steady amount, rate, or height.
After years of rapid growth, the city's population began to level off at around two million.
The plane levelled out at ten thousand metres and the passengers could take off their seat belts.
level up
phrasal verbto reach a higher stage or standard; in video games, to advance to the next stage of a character's abilities.
The government promised to level up opportunities for people living in rural areas.
After completing the quest, Ramón's character levelled up and unlocked a new fighting skill.
to put in as much effort as you possibly can to achieve something, even if success is not guaranteed.
Élise did her level best to finish the marathon, even though her leg was hurting badly.
The rescue team tried their level best to reach the hikers before dark.
level — noun
1. a measurement of how high or low something is, based on its position above or be
a measurement of how high or low something is, based on its position above or below a fixed point such as the ground
The water level in the river rose quickly after three days of heavy rain.
collocation: water level / sea level
The shelves are all fixed at the same level, so the books line up neatly.
pattern: at + adjective + level
Folake checked the level of oil in the engine before starting the car.
Kian marked the ground to show the level of the planned foundation before building.
- water level
- sea level
- eye level
- ground level
Grammar Patterns
level of + noun
at + noun + level
Usage Note
Often used in compound nouns such as water level, sea level, or eye level.
Common Mistakes
2. how much or how strongly a quality is present in a situation, such as the loudne
how much or how strongly a quality is present in a situation, such as the loudness of noise, the seriousness of risk, or the concentration of pollution
The level of noise in the library was too high for anyone to study.
pattern: level of + noun (noise, pollution, stress)
Air pollution levels in the city centre have dropped since the new rules began.
Yael was surprised by the level of support she received from her neighbours.
The stress level among the hospital staff rose as the number of patients increased.
- high level
- low level
- dangerous level
- acceptable level
Grammar Patterns
level of + noun
at + a + adjective + level
Usage Note
Commonly used with adjectives indicating quantity (high, low, rising, falling). In sense 2, the noun is usually uncountable when referring to an abstract quality ('a high level of interest'), but countable when referring to measured data ('pollution levels').
3. a person's standard of ability or skill when compared to others, especially in l
a person's standard of ability or skill when compared to others, especially in learning, sport, or a profession
This English course is designed for students at an advanced level.
pattern: at + adjective + level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
Ada's Spanish is at a good level now — she can hold a conversation easily.
The test has three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Arjun reached the highest level in the company's language programme after months of study.
- advanced level
- intermediate level
- skill level
- entry level
Grammar Patterns
at + adjective + level
level of + noun (ability/skill)
Usage Note
Often used with terms from official proficiency scales (CEFR levels A1–C2, grade levels, belt levels in martial arts). Distinguish from sense 5 (RANK): sense 3 refers to ability or mastery; sense 5 refers to formal position in an organisation.
Common Mistakes
4. one of the floors or storeys in a building, especially a large one such as a sho
one of the floors or storeys in a building, especially a large one such as a shopping centre, hospital, or car park
The doctor's office is on the third level of the hospital building.
pattern: on + ordinal + level
Pedro took the lift to the top level, where the restaurant was located.
The shopping centre has two underground levels for car parking.
The car park has an entry level and an exit level connected by a ramp.
- ground level
- top level
- lower level
- upper level
Grammar Patterns
on + ordinal + level
level + number
Usage Note
More common in large public buildings or multi-storey car parks. For houses or small buildings, 'floor' or 'storey' is more typical in everyday speech.
5. a position of importance or authority within an organisation, society, or system
a position of importance or authority within an organisation, society, or system where people are ranked
Decisions about the company budget are made at the highest level of management.
pattern: at + the + (highest/lowest/senior) + level
Yuna was promoted to a senior level after just two years with the firm.
Talks between the two countries took place at the ministerial level.
Ava discussed the new policy with managers at every level of the organisation.
- senior level
- management level
- board level
- local level
Grammar Patterns
at + adjective + level
at + the + noun + level
Usage Note
Frequently used with administrative or government titles (national level, local level, board level, management level). Distinguish from sense 3 (SKILL LEVEL): sense 5 is about formal rank, not personal ability.
6. a particular sphere or scale at which something is dealt with, organised, or und
a particular sphere or scale at which something is dealt with, organised, or understood, for example a geographic or administrative division
This environmental problem needs to be solved at the national level, not just locally.
pattern: at + the + (national/local/international) + level
Education policy in the US is set at the state level, not the federal level.
Dewi works for an aid organisation that operates at the international level.
The charity provides clean drinking water at the village level across several regions.
- national level
- local level
- international level
- regional level
Grammar Patterns
at + the + adjective + level
at + noun + level
Usage Note
Most commonly appears in fixed phrases with 'at' followed by a geographic or administrative adjective (local, regional, national, international, federal, state). The headword 'level' in this sense is almost always preceded by 'at the … level'.
7. a particular way of thinking about or understanding a situation, especially when
a particular way of thinking about or understanding a situation, especially when there are several possible aspects to consider.
On a personal level, I understand why Yumi made that difficult choice.
pattern: on a(n) [adjective] level
The policy works well at an economic level, but ordinary people may feel the cost.
pattern: at a(n) [adjective] level
Theo and Saira are close friends, but on a professional level they rarely agree.
Ari and Talia argued about the budget but on a social level got along fine.
contrast: on one level… though on another level…
- personal level
- emotional level
- professional level
- economic level
- on one level… on another level…
Grammar Patterns
on a(n) [adjective] level
Usage Note
Subject is usually a situation, relationship, or topic being analysed. Often contrasted with another level ('on one level… on another level…').
Common Mistakes
8. used to say that something is true to a limited extent, or that you think it is
used to say that something is true to a limited extent, or that you think it is true but you are not completely certain.
On some level, Chidi knew that his plan was too risky.
phrase: on some level — limited certainty
I suppose on one level the criticism was fair, but it was also too harsh.
pattern: on one level… but…
Yara felt guilty about leaving, but on another level felt excited for the new job.
Lukas knew on some level that apologising would fix things, but his pride stopped him.
phrase: on some level + that-clause
- on some level
- on one level
- on another level
- partly
more direct and common; expresses a similar idea of limited truth
- to some extent
slightly more formal; interchangeable with 'on some level'
Grammar Patterns
on some level
on one level… on another level…
Usage Note
This sense always appears in the fixed phrases 'on some level', 'on one level', or 'on another level'. Unlike sense 7, you cannot insert an adjective between 'on' and 'level' — the phrases are set expressions.
Common Mistakes
9. a small hand tool used for checking whether a surface sits flat and horizontal,
a small hand tool used for checking whether a surface sits flat and horizontal, with no tilt or slope. Also called a spirit level.
Christopher used a level to check that the shelf was perfectly horizontal.
collocation: use a level
Before hanging the picture frame, Otis checked the wall with a spirit level.
The builder placed the level on the counter to see if the legs were even.
collocation: place a level on [surface]
Élise borrowed a spirit level from her neighbour to check the garden fence posts.
- use a level
- check with a level
- spirit level
- bubble level
- spirit level
full name for the same tool; slightly more formal or technical
- bubble level
refers to the same tool by describing its main visible feature
Grammar Patterns
use a level
check (something) with a level
Usage Note
Common in DIY, carpentry, and construction contexts. The shorter form 'level' is more frequent in everyday speech; 'spirit level' is often used in product names and formal descriptions.
10. one of the stages in a video game that a player must complete before moving to t
one of the stages in a video game that a player must complete before moving to the next stage, with its own challenges and goals.
Manuela spent two hours trying to finish the final level of the puzzle game.
collocation: finish the final level
Each new level introduces more enemies and harder obstacles for the player.
pattern: each (new) level introduces…
When you reach level five in this game, you unlock a hidden weapon.
pattern: reach level [number]
Léa saved her game before the next level — the boss fight would be tough.
- first level
- final level
- next level
- reach level [number]
- unlock a level
- pass a level
Grammar Patterns
[number] + level
the final / first / next level
reach + level
finish + level
Usage Note
The most common everyday use of this sense. In modern gaming, 'level' can also refer to a character's experience rank (e.g., 'level 50 warrior'), which is a related but distinct meaning not covered here.
Common Mistakes
on the level
idiomHonest and following the rules.
Min assured me the business deal was on the level.
Do you think that contractor is on the level?
Equal in quality, importance, or value to someone or something else.
Sara's cooking is on a level with professional chefs.
Is this hotel on a par with the one we stayed at last year?
Equal in quality, importance, or value to someone or something else.
Diego's performance was on a par with the team's best player.
This new phone is on a level with the latest models from other brands.
To improve or develop something that is already successful even further.
Aiden wants to take his photography business to the next level.
Can we take this project to the next level before the deadline?
level — adjective
1. at the same height or position as something else, so that one is not higher or l
at the same height or position as something else, so that one is not higher or lower than the other.
The top of the wardrobe is level with the top of the door frame.
pattern: be level with [noun]
Yan adjusted the mirror so that it was level with her eyes.
The flood water rose until it was level with the first-floor windows.
context: rising water reaching a height
Gabriel hung the painting so its bottom edge was level with the light switch.
The new bridge sits level with the old one, about three metres to the south.
comparative structure: sits level with
- level with
- be level with the ground
- level with the top of
- even with
informal alternative; 'She pulled the curtain even with the sill'
- flush with
more technical, often used for surfaces meeting at the same plane; 'The tiles are flush with the wall'
- uneven
not at the same height; having differences in elevation
Grammar Patterns
be level with [noun]
Usage Note
This sense almost always appears with the preposition 'with'. The pattern is [subject] + be + level + with + [noun]. It cannot be used before a noun (*a level shelf with the door — incorrect).
Common Mistakes
2. directly next to something or opposite it, at a matching position along an imagi
directly next to something or opposite it, at a matching position along an imagined horizontal line.
The cyclist pulled up level with the car at the traffic light.
pattern: pull up level with [noun]
Niran stopped walking when he was level with the main entrance.
The two runners were level with each other as they reached the final bend.
context: racing side by side
Lauren pulled her desk level with the window so she could see the garden.
The boat drew level with the dock and the captain cut the engine.
collocation: draw level with
- level with
- draw level with
- pull level with
- alongside
emphasises being beside rather than opposite; 'The boat came alongside the dock'
- abreast of
side by side, especially in racing or marching
Grammar Patterns
be level with [noun]
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 1 (SAME HEIGHT): sense 1 focuses on vertical alignment (equal height), while sense 2 focuses on horizontal alignment (being next to or opposite). Both use 'level with', but the context determines which meaning is intended — building features and body parts suggest sense 1; vehicles, people moving, and positions in space suggest sense 2.
3. having a surface that is flat and smooth, with no high or low areas — like a tab
having a surface that is flat and smooth, with no high or low areas — like a table top, a road, or a piece of ground that does not slope.
The kitchen floor is not level, so the table rocks slightly.
common context: uneven floor
We found level ground near the river and set up the tent there.
collocation: level ground
Élise checked the shelf with a spirit level to make sure it was perfectly level.
usage with spirit level tool
A level path runs through the park, making it easy for wheelchair users.
collocation: level path
Ziad laid the bricks on a level bed of sand to keep the wall straight.
- level ground
- level surface
- level floor
- perfectly level
- completely level
- flat
the most common synonym; 'flat' emphasises no bumps or curves, while 'level' emphasises horizontal alignment
- even
suggests a smooth, regular surface; 'an even pavement'
- horizontal
more technical; describes being parallel to the horizon
Grammar Patterns
be level
a level [noun]
[noun] is level
Usage Note
Before a noun, 'level' describes surfaces that are naturally flat (level ground, a level road). When used as a complement after 'be', it usually means having the correct flat alignment (the shelf is level; the picture is not level).
Common Mistakes
4. filled exactly to the top edge of a spoon or cup without going above it — used w
filled exactly to the top edge of a spoon or cup without going above it — used when measuring ingredients in cooking, especially dry substances such as flour, sugar, or salt.
Add one level teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.
pattern: level teaspoon of [substance]
The recipe calls for a level cup of flour, not a heaped one.
opposition: level vs heaped
Femi measured out a level tablespoon of baking powder before mixing the batter.
Use a level scoop of coffee grounds for each cup of water.
Christopher scraped the sugar flat to get a level tablespoon for the recipe.
action: scrape flat to make level
- level teaspoon
- level tablespoon
- level cup
- level scoop
- flat
rarely used in cooking contexts; 'a flat teaspoon' is less common than 'a level teaspoon'
Grammar Patterns
a level [spoon/cup] of [substance]
Usage Note
Only used before nouns for measuring spoons and cups (teaspoon, tablespoon, cup). The opposite is 'heaped' or 'heaping'. In modern recipes, 'level' is often implied and not stated, but it is important in baking where exact measurements matter.
Common Mistakes
5. at the same standard, amount, or degree of success as another person or thing —
at the same standard, amount, or degree of success as another person or thing — for example, two companies having the same sales, or two students reaching the same grade.
After the new investment, the two companies are now level in terms of market share.
pattern: level in [area]
Andrés found his Spanish was level with his cousin's, who grew up in Mexico.
pattern: level with [noun]
The government wants to bring the poorest regions level with the richest ones.
collocation: bring level with
Eve's salary is now level with her colleague's after the promotion.
The two departments are roughly level in productivity this quarter.
- level with
- level in
- bring level with
- draw level with
- equal
more general; 'equal pay for equal work'; can be used before a noun whereas 'level' cannot in this sense
- on a par with
idiomatic; 'The service is on a par with top hotels'
- comparable to
similar in quality but not necessarily exactly the same
Grammar Patterns
be level with [noun]
be level in [area]
Usage Note
This sense overlaps with the noun sense of 'level' (referring to standard/degree). As an adjective, it is always followed by 'with' or 'in'. The verb phrase 'bring something level with' means to make something reach the same standard.
Common Mistakes
6. equal with an opponent in a game or competition where each side has scored the s
equal with an opponent in a game or competition where each side has scored the same — for instance, two football teams that have each scored two goals.
The two teams were level at 2–2 until the last minute of the match.
pattern: level at [score]
Tara scored a goal in the second half, making the score level with the visitors.
Both players are level on 15 points going into the final round.
pattern: level on [points/goals]
The score was level at halftime, and both coaches looked worried.
Lauren's team drew level with a last-minute goal in the championship final.
collocation: draw level with
- level at
- level on points
- level on goals
- level with
- all level
- tied
more common in American English; 'The game is tied at 3–3'
- drawn
used in British English for matches that end with no winner; 'a drawn game'
- neck and neck
idiomatic for a race where competitors are close; not used for final scores
Grammar Patterns
be level
be level on [points/goals]
be level with [opponent]
Usage Note
Very common in sports commentary and match reports. The key prepositions are: 'at' for the score (level at 1–1), 'on' for the quantity (level on points), and 'with' for the opponent (level with the champions). This sense only applies to competitive situations where a score is kept.
Common Mistakes
7. describing a voice or facial expression that stays calm and controlled, not show
describing a voice or facial expression that stays calm and controlled, not showing strong feelings even when the situation is tense or upsetting
Despite the angry customer's shouting, the manager kept a level voice.
level + noun (voice) — calm despite conflict
Takeshi gave a level look across the table before answering the difficult question.
level + noun (look) — composing oneself before responding
When the pilot announced the engine problem, her level tone helped everyone stay calm.
Tomás read the bad news in a level voice, showing no anger or surprise.
Imran met the doctor's eyes with a level gaze and asked for the truth.
level + noun (gaze) — maintaining composure in a difficult conversation
- level voice
- level look
- level gaze
- level tone
- level manner
Grammar Patterns
level + noun (voice, look, gaze, tone)
Usage Note
Only used to describe a person's voice, tone, look, or gaze — not objects, situations, or general behaviour.
on the level
idiomhonest and truthful, or done according to the rules; not involving any cheating or hidden bad intentions.
I checked the company's records, and everything seems to be on the level.
Ezra was not sure the car salesman was on the level, so he asked a mechanic to inspect the vehicle.
a situation in which everyone has the same chance to succeed, with no one having an unfair advantage over others.
The new law aims to create a level playing field for small and large businesses alike.
Without fair access to education, there cannot be a level playing field in the job market.
Word family
- leveling / levellingnounB2
- leveler / levellernounC1
- levelnessnounC1
- unleveladjectiveC1
- multileveladjectiveB2
- sublevelnounC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
Height and altitude are the closest synonyms for noun sense 1 (HEIGHT), but height is broader — it can refer to how tall a person or thing is ('a building of 50 metres in height'), whereas level in this sense always compares to a reference point ('the water level' or 'at eye level'). Altitude is specifically about distance above sea level, used mostly for aircraft, mountains, or weather balloons. Tier suggests one layer in a stacked system ('a three-tier wedding cake'), overlapping with level in senses 5 (RANK) and 6 (SCOPE) but not in sense 1. Standard is a better match for sense 3 (SKILL LEVEL), where it means a benchmark of quality or ability — 'a high standard of work' vs 'a high level of ability.' Across all these comparisons, level stands out because it emphasises a relative position on a scale rather than an absolute measurement.
Common collocations
Nouns
- sea level
- ground level
- eye level
- street level
- surface level
- water level
- noise level
- stress level
- skill level
- entry level
- management level
- board level
Adverbs
- roughly level
- approximately level
- exactly level
- perfectly level
- completely level
Phrases
- level playing field
- level the playing field
- a level head / keep a level head
- at every level
- at all levels
- on a personal / professional / practical level
- level of detail / comfort / education / understanding / support
Prepositions
- at (a/the … level)
- on (a … level)
- below (sea/ground level)
- above (sea level)
- beyond (the basic level)
Etymology
Level entered English from Old French 'livel' (or 'liveau'), which came from Latin 'libella' — a small balance or levelling tool used by builders and surveyors. 'Libella' itself is a diminutive of 'libra', meaning a balance or pair of scales. The core idea — making something even, horizontal, or aligned — has shaped every branch of the word's meanings since the 1300s.