Levied Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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levied
[ˈlɛv.id ]
Definition
imposing taxes
Levied refers to the act of imposing or collecting something, usually a tax or fine. When a government levies a tax, it officially decides to collect a specified amount of money from its citizens or businesses. The term can also apply to the act of enacting legal penalties or fees. This action is often enforced through legal channels, making it a formal process. Additionally, levied can relate to military conscription or the imposition of duties.
Synonyms
assessed, charged, enacted, imposed.
Examples of usage
- The government levied a new income tax.
- The court levied a fine on the defendant.
- Local authorities have levied additional fees for parking.
- Imposed tariffs were levied on imported goods.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Law
- Government entities commonly levy taxes as a formal way to gather funds for public services.
- A 'levy' can also refer to the legal appropriation of funds, often enforced through specific laws.
- Certain types of levies, such as property levies, are based on the value of the property owned.
Economics
- Levies can impact economic behavior, as businesses may adjust prices based on increased taxation.
- The burden of levies can disproportionately affect lower-income households compared to wealthy ones.
- Fiscal levies are often analyzed by economists to understand their effects on growth and spending.
Historical Context
- During the American Revolution, levies were often contested as colonists resisted British taxes.
- The concept of a wartime levy emerged in the 18th century, where nations would impose taxes to support military efforts.
- In ancient civilizations, like Mesopotamia, leaders imposed levies to fund public works like irrigation.
Pop Culture
- In films and shows, characters often debate the fairness of levies, especially in contexts of rebellion and social justice.
- Music and literature frequently use the theme of levied taxes to address larger issues around power and governance.
- Popular video games sometimes simulate economic systems where players must manage levies effectively to succeed.
Origin of 'levied'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'levy' comes from the Old French word 'lever', which means 'to raise'.
- In medieval times, local lords would levy taxes on their subjects to support their armies.
- The term has roots in Latin, with 'levare' meaning 'to lift' or 'to raise', further emphasizing the act of raising funds.
The term 'levied' originates from the Middle English word 'levien', which meant to raise or lift. This earlier form can be traced back to the Latin 'levare', meaning 'to lift', 'to raise', or 'to relieve'. The evolution of the word reflects its transition from a physical lifting to the abstract concept of imposing or collecting taxes, fees, or fines. Its usage in legal and governmental contexts became more prominent during the 14th and 15th centuries as centralized authority began to formalize tax collection processes. As societies developed more structured economies, the term became essential in legal terminology, particularly concerning fiscal responsibilities. The word has retained its core meaning through centuries of linguistic evolution, demonstrating the importance of taxation and legal imposition in structured governance.