Levelness

lev·el  (lvl)

n.

1.

a. Relative position or rank on a scale: the local level of government; studying at the graduate level.

b. A relative degree, as of achievement, intensity, or concentration: an unsafe level of toxicity; a high level of frustration.

2. A natural or proper position, place, or stage: I finally found my own level in the business world.

3. Position along a vertical axis; height or depth: a platform at knee level.

4.

a. A horizontal line or plane at right angles to the plumb.

b. The position or height of such a line or plane.

5. A flat, horizontal surface.

6. A land area of uniform elevation.

7.

a. An instrument for ascertaining whether a surface is horizontal, vertical, or at a 45° angle, consisting essentially of an encased, liquid-filled tube containing an air bubble that moves to a center window when the instrument is set on an even plane. Also called spirit level.

b. Such a device combined with a telescope and used in surveying.

c. A computation of the difference in elevation between two points by using such a device.

adj.

1. Having a flat, smooth surface.

2. Being on a horizontal plane.

3.

a. Being at the same height or position as another; even.

b. Being at the same degree of rank, standing, or advantage as another; equal.

c. Being or relating to a specified rank or standing. Often used in combination: a lower-level administrator.

4. Exhibiting no abrupt variations; steady: spoke in a level tone.

5. Rational and balanced; sensible: came to a level appraisal of the situation; keeps a level head in an emergency.

6. Filled evenly to the top: a level tablespoon of the medicine.

v. lev·eled or lev·elled, lev·el·ing or lev·el·ling, lev·els

v.tr.

1. To make horizontal, flat, or even: leveled the driveway with a roller; leveled off the hedges with the clippers.

2. To tear down; raze.

3. To knock down with or as if with a blow: The challenger leveled the champion with a mighty uppercut.

4. To place on the same level; equalize.

5. To aim along a horizontal plane: leveled the gun at the target.

6. To direct emphatically or forcefully toward someone: leveled charges of dishonesty.

7. To measure the different elevations of (a tract of land) with a level.

v.intr.

1. To bring persons or things to an equal level; equalize.

2. To aim a weapon horizontally.

3. Informal To be frank and open: advised the suspect to level with the authorities.

adv.

Along a flat or even line or plane.

Phrasal Verb:

level off

1. To move toward stability or consistency: Prices leveled off.

2. To maneuver an aircraft into a flight attitude that is parallel to the surface of the earth after gaining or losing altitude.

Idioms:

(one's) level best

The best one can do in an earnest attempt: I did my level best in math class.

on the level Informal

Without deception; honest.

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[Middle English, an instrument to check that a surface is horizontal, from Old French livel, from Vulgar Latin *lbellum, from Latin lbella, diminutive of lbra, balance.]

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level·ly adv.

level·ness n.

Synonyms: level, flat¹, even¹, plane¹, smooth, flush¹
These adjectives describe surfaces without elevations or depressions. Level implies being parallel with the line of the horizon: acres of level farmland.
Flat applies to surfaces without curves, protuberances, or indentations: a flat rock.
Even refers to flat surfaces in which no part is higher or lower than another: the even surface of the mirror.
Plane is a mathematical term referring to a surface containing all the straight lines connecting any two points on it: a plane figure.
Smooth describes a surface on which the absence of irregularities can be established by sight or touch: smooth marble.
Flush applies to a surface that is on an exact level with an adjoining one: a door that is flush with the wall. See Also Synonyms at aim.