Level Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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level

[ˈlɛvəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

skill measurement

A position or rank within a hierarchy or organization that indicates a person's ability or knowledge in a particular area.

Synonyms

grade, position, rank, status.

Examples of usage

  • She has reached a high level of expertise in her field.
  • He was promoted to a higher level within the company due to his hard work and dedication.
Context #2 | Noun

height measurement

A position or point in a scale of quantity, amount, extent, quality, or intensity.

Synonyms

amount, degree, extent, intensity.

Examples of usage

  • The water level in the river is rising.
  • The noise level in the room is too high.
Context #3 | Verb

to make something flat or smooth

To make a surface even or smooth.

Synonyms

even out, flatten, smooth, straighten.

Examples of usage

  • She leveled the ground before building the house.
  • Please level the cake with a spatula before decorating it.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, 'level' refers to a state of equilibrium where opposing forces are balanced.
  • Hydrology uses 'level' to describe the elevation of water in rivers and lakes, which is crucial for understanding ecosystems.

Video Games

  • In gaming, 'level' denotes stages of difficulty or progress, where a gamer can move up in skills or power.
  • Many RPGs (role-playing games) use levels to determine character strength, health, and abilities.

Psychology

  • The concept of 'level' can apply to cognitive tasks, where different levels of difficulty affect how we learn new skills.
  • In motivational psychology, 'leveling up' is often used as a metaphor for personal growth and achieving goals.

Architecture

  • 'Level' is essential in construction, referring to floors in buildings where each 'level' must be even to ensure stability.
  • Levels in design can also refer to the visual balance of a building's facade to create an appealing look.

Origin of 'level'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'level' comes from the Latin word 'libra', meaning balance, which relates to being even.
  • In Middle English, 'level' referred to a flat or horizontal place and has maintained a similar meaning over time.

The word 'level' has its origins in Middle English, from the Old French word 'nivel', which is derived from the Latin word 'libella' meaning 'water level'. The concept of 'level' as a measurement of skill or height emerged in the late Middle Ages. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass various meanings related to position, measurement, and equality.


See also: lev, lever, levity, levy.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #227, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.