levy
- 01 C1 Advanced
n.an amount of money, such as a tax, that you must pay to a government or organization.
n.an amount of money, such as a tax, fee, or fine, that is officially imposed and collected.
Simple“The government introduced a new levy on plastic bottles to reduce waste.”
In context“The local council proposed a supplementary levy on commercial properties to fund the redevelopment of the central business district.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'on'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.the official process of collecting a tax or gathering people for an army.
n.the act or process of imposing or collecting a payment, or the conscription of troops for military service.
Simple“The levy of new troops was necessary to defend the border.”
In context“The sudden levy of high export duties caused significant disruption to international trade agreements.”
UsageFrequently followed by 'of' plus the object being collected.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
v.to officially demand that a tax or fine be paid.
v.to use legal authority to demand and collect a tax, fee, or fine. Transitive, requiring a direct object.
Simple“The city decided to levy a fine on anyone caught littering in the park.”
In context“Under the new legislation, the authorities are empowered to levy distraint upon the assets of companies that fail to meet their environmental obligations.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to officially gather people together to serve in an army.
v.to enlist or conscript individuals into military service by authority.
Simple“The king had to levy a new army to protect the kingdom from invasion.”
In context“Historically, the crown would levy men from the surrounding shires whenever a campaign was imminent.”
“Subsequent increases will be largely wiped out by universities paying a £925 levy on each international student.”
“The countries named include Canada, India, Mexico, Japan and South Korea, which the White House said had helped China evade tens of billions of dollars in tariffs, which are levied on companies importing goods.”