level out

IPA/lˈɛvəl ˈaʊt/
IPA/lˈɛvəl ˈaʊt/

level out — phrasal verb

  • level outbase form
  • levels out3rd person singular
  • leveling out-ing form
  • leveled outpast simple

1. to reach a point where something no longer goes up or down, and instead stays at

1.片語動詞不及物B1
釋義

to reach a point where something no longer goes up or down, and instead stays at the same height or position

例句

After the steep climb, the road levelled out near the old farm.

level out after a slope: describes a physical surface becoming flat

The plane levelled out at nine thousand metres, and Beatriz finally relaxed.

同義詞
  • level off

    the most common alternative; nearly identical in meaning but slightly more frequent for physical surfaces

  • flatten out

    more informal; emphasises the result of becoming flat rather than stopping movement

  • stabilise

    more formal; used when the focus is on steady state rather than the process

反義詞
  • rise sharply

    describes the opposite movement — a steep increase in height or level

  • drop suddenly

    describes a rapid decrease, the inverse of levelling out

文法句型

level out at [height/number]

用法筆記

Common with measurements or descriptions of physical surfaces. Frequently followed by 'at' plus a number or location (e.g., 'levelled out at 500 metres').

常見錯誤

I levelled out the ground before building the shed.
I levelled the ground before building the shed.
💡'level out' is usually intransitive (things level out by themselves); for making something flat, use 'level' alone.

2. to remain at a consistent level of progress, activity, or value after a time whe

2.片語動詞不及物B2
釋義

to remain at a consistent level of progress, activity, or value after a time when things changed quickly or unevenly

例句

After years of fast growth, house prices in the area have finally levelled out.

figurative: prices/rates/values level out after growth

Erik's fever levelled out on the third day after the treatment started.

同義詞
  • stabilise

    more formal; often used in economics, medicine, and technical contexts

  • plateau

    suggests staying at a particular level without further increase; common in business and fitness contexts

  • even out

    more informal; emphasises the removal of differences or fluctuations

反義詞
  • fluctuate

    describes the opposite pattern — continuing to go up and down without stabilising

  • spike

    a sudden sharp rise, the inverse of levelling out

文法句型

level out at [amount/rate]

用法筆記

Subject is usually a quantity or process (prices, rates, growth, fever, workload). 'Level out at' introduces the specific value where stabilisation occurs. Distinguish from sense 1, which refers to physical height or position.

常見錯誤

The economy levelled out at a stable period.
The economy levelled out after the recession.
💡'level out' describes reaching a stable state, not a period of time; use 'after' or 'at [value]', not 'at a period'.