# level

/ˈɫɛvəɫ/ (US) · /lˈɛvəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/level
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. amount or degree

noun · CEFR A2

the amount, size, or degree of something.

For teachers: the relative amount, intensity, or degree of a quality or substance.

- The noise level in the library was very low today.
- The researchers monitored the glucose levels in the blood samples over a twenty-four-hour period to observe the metabolic response.

### 2. stage or rank

noun · CEFR A2

a specific stage in a process, a course of study, or a video game.

For teachers: a discrete stage in a hierarchical system, such as an educational course, professional rank, or video game progression.

- I finally reached level ten in my favourite mobile game.
- The curriculum is designed for students at an intermediate level who wish to refine their academic writing skills before university entrance.

### 3. height

noun · CEFR B1

the height of something compared to a fixed point, like the ground or the sea.

For teachers: a position on a real or imaginary scale of height or depth.

- The water level in the lake rose after the heavy rain.
- The coastal town is situated only three metres above sea level, making it vulnerable to seasonal flooding during high tides.

### 4. flat and even

adjective · CEFR A2

having a flat surface that is not higher in one place than another.

For teachers: having a flat, even surface; horizontal and perpendicular to the force of gravity.

- Make sure the table is level so the pens don't roll off.
- The carpenter used a spirit level to ensure the shelving unit was perfectly level before securing it to the wall studs.

### 5. equal

adjective · CEFR B1

at the same height or having the same score as someone else.

For teachers: being at the same height, rank, or position as another entity.

- The two runners were level as they approached the finish line.
- By the end of the third quarter, the teams were level, setting the stage for a dramatic final ten minutes of play.

### 6. to flatten

verb · CEFR B2

to make something flat or even.

For teachers: to make a surface horizontal or even; to reduce a structure to the ground.

- The workers had to level the ground before they could build the house.
- The earthquake was powerful enough to level several older buildings in the historic district within seconds.

### 7. to equalise

verb · CEFR B2 · British English

to make the score of a game equal.

For teachers: to make the score or status of a competition equal.

- He managed to level the score with a brilliant goal in the last minute.
- The visiting team managed to level the match just before half-time, shifting the momentum in their favour for the second period.

### 8. to direct at

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to point a weapon, a look, or an accusation directly at someone.

For teachers: to aim or direct a weapon, a steady gaze, or a formal accusation at a target.

- She levelled a serious accusation against her former boss.
- The prosecutor levelled several charges of fraud against the defendant, citing extensive evidence from the company's financial records.

## Examples

- The water level in the lake is very low today.
- Students must pass a short test to ensure they are placed in the correct level for their language ability.
- The government is working to reduce the level of carbon emissions to meet the targets set by the international climate agreement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.