levels
levels — verb
- levelspresent simple I / you / we / they
- levelses3rd person singular
- levelsing-ing form
- levelsedpast simple
1. to take away bumps and unevenness from a surface so that it is completely flat
to take away bumps and unevenness from a surface so that it is completely flat
Anong used a long metal tool to level the wet concrete before it dried.
level + wet concrete / cement for smoothing
The gardener leveled the soil in the flower bed before planting the seeds.
Before laying the patio stones, Eitan leveled the sand underneath with a rake.
The construction crew spent the morning leveling the ground for the new basketball court.
文法句型
level + noun phrase (surface, ground, concrete)
用法筆記
Often used in construction, gardening, and DIY contexts. The past participle 'leveled' (US) or 'levelled' (UK) is common in passive constructions.
常見錯誤
2. to completely knock down a building, structure, or area so that nothing is left
to completely knock down a building, structure, or area so that nothing is left standing
The old factory was leveled to make space for a new park.
passive: be leveled + to make space for [replacement]
The earthquake leveled entire villages along the coast of Sumatra.
Developers plan to clear the site by leveling all the empty warehouses.
The bombing campaign leveled nearly every bridge and railway line in the region.
文法句型
level + noun phrase (building, city, village)
be leveled + by + noun phrase
be leveled + to the ground
用法筆記
Commonly used in news reports about disasters, war, or urban development. Often paired with 'to the ground' for emphasis.
常見錯誤
3. to become flat, steady, or equal, especially after a period of change or movemen
to become flat, steady, or equal, especially after a period of change or movement
After climbing steeply, the road finally leveled off near the mountain pass.
phrasal use: level off for physical height stabilizing
House prices rose quickly last year but have now leveled out.
The plane leveled out at 10,000 meters and the seatbelt sign went off.
After months of rapid growth, the company's expenses finally leveled off.
文法句型
level + out
level + off
用法筆記
Almost always used with a particle ('out' or 'off'). 'Level off' suggests reaching and staying at a stable point; 'level out' emphasises the process of becoming even.
常見錯誤
4. to aim or direct something — especially criticism, a complaint, an accusation, o
to aim or direct something — especially criticism, a complaint, an accusation, or a weapon — at a particular person or group
Serious accusations were leveled at the company by former employees.
pattern: level accusations at [someone]
The opposition party leveled harsh criticism at the government's new tax policy.
Eshe leveled her camera at the rare bird and took the shot.
The report leveled serious charges of corruption at several senior officials.
文法句型
level + noun phrase + at + noun phrase
level something at someone
用法筆記
The object being leveled (criticism, accusations, a weapon) is always followed by 'at' + the target. The pattern 'level something at someone' works for both literal weapons and figurative attacks.
常見錯誤
5. to speak honestly and directly with someone, without hiding your true thoughts o
to speak honestly and directly with someone, without hiding your true thoughts or feelings
Megan decided to level with her boss about why she wanted to leave the company.
phrasal pattern: level with [someone] about [something]
After months of hiding the truth, Kian finally leveled with his partner about the debt.
Just level with me — is there any chance the project will be finished on time?
Emily appreciated it when the doctor leveled with her about the risks of the surgery.
- come clean
idiomatic; implies admitting something you were hiding
- be straight with
slightly less formal; common in everyday conversation
- open up
focuses on sharing feelings rather than facts
文法句型
level + with + someone
用法筆記
Always followed by 'with' + the person you are being honest with. This sense is more common in US English and informal conversation. It implies that you have been hiding something or avoiding the truth before being honest.
常見錯誤
levels — noun
- levelssingular
- levelsesplural
1. the measurement of how high something is, or the height of a surface or object c
the measurement of how high something is, or the height of a surface or object compared to a fixed reference point such as the ground or sea.
The water level in the river rose after three days of heavy rain.
level + in + [place]
Xiu used a measuring tape to check the level of the shelf before fixing it.
The snow level on the mountain roads reached two metres during the winter storm.
Aylin adjusted the level of her chair so that her feet rested flat on the floor.
文法句型
level + of + [location]
level + in + [container/place]
用法筆記
Often used with prepositions such as 'of', 'in', or 'on' to state what is being measured. Frequently appears with adjectives describing rise or fall (e.g. 'rising water levels').
常見錯誤
2. the amount, degree, or intensity of something that can be measured, such as soun
the amount, degree, or intensity of something that can be measured, such as sound, pollution, stress, or prices, often placed on a scale from low to high.
High levels of air pollution in the city are causing health problems for local residents.
high/low levels of + [uncountable noun]
Trang checked the battery level on her phone before leaving for the long bus ride.
The level of customer satisfaction at the hotel has dropped sharply since last year.
Hana monitors her daily sugar intake to keep her blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
文法句型
level + of + [uncountable noun]
high/low + level
levels + of + [noun]
用法筆記
Commonly used with 'high' or 'low' to indicate quantity. When plural ('levels'), it often refers to multiple types or repeated measurements (e.g. 'stress levels').
常見錯誤
3. a standard or grade that shows how skilled, knowledgeable, or experienced someon
a standard or grade that shows how skilled, knowledgeable, or experienced someone is in a particular area compared to others.
Students at this school are tested every term to determine their reading level.
at + [determiner] + level indicating skill grade
Heloísa signed up for an advanced-level Japanese course since her speaking was already fluent.
The exam is designed for learners at an intermediate level of English proficiency.
Nikhil took a placement test to find out which level of maths class he should join.
文法句型
at + [determiner] + level
[adjective] + level
level + in/of + [subject]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 5 (RANK): this sense describes skill or knowledge, not position in an organisation. Often used in education (e.g. 'A-level', 'GCSE level').
常見錯誤
4. one of the horizontal sections of a large building, at a particular height above
one of the horizontal sections of a large building, at a particular height above the ground, containing rooms or spaces.
The top level of the shopping mall has a restaurant with a wonderful city view.
on + [determiner] + level = on a storey/floor
Asher took the stairs down to the basement level where the car park was located.
The conference rooms are on the third level, right next to the main office area.
Abigail lives on the fifteenth level of a tall apartment building near the river.
文法句型
on + [ordinal] + level
[adjective] + level
用法筆記
Common in large or modern buildings. More neutral than 'floor', which can also mean ground surface. In British English, 'ground level' often means the floor at street height.
常見錯誤
5. a position or tier within a system that arranges people, jobs, or positions acco
a position or tier within a system that arranges people, jobs, or positions according to their authority, importance, or pay.
Nikhil started at an entry-level job and worked his way up to senior manager.
entry-level / high-level + noun (rank within organisation)
Decisions about major investments are made at the highest level of the company.
The government's new policy aims to create more opportunities at every level of society.
Hassan was promoted to a regional level position after three years of managing a single store.
文法句型
at + [determiner] + level
[adjective] + level + noun
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 3 (SKILL GRADE): this sense describes organisational position, not personal ability. Commonly used in compound adjectives such as 'entry-level', 'high-level', 'top-level'.
常見錯誤
6. a particular range of authority, operation, or geographical scale within which a
a particular range of authority, operation, or geographical scale within which a government, organisation, or system functions.
Education policy in this country is decided at the national level, not by local councils.
at the + [adjective] + level (scope of authority)
Talks between the two countries are taking place at the highest diplomatic level.
Liam works for an organisation that runs health programmes at the local level.
Adisa argued that environmental rules should be set at the international level to be effective.
文法句型
at the + [adjective] + level
at + [geographical adjective] + level
用法筆記
Nearly always appears in the fixed pattern 'at the ___ level' where the blank is a geographical or governmental adjective (local, regional, national, international, federal). Not used as a standalone countable noun.
常見錯誤
7. used to show that something is true or relevant in many different aspects or res
used to show that something is true or relevant in many different aspects or respects at the same time.
The novel is rewarding on many levels — as a love story, a mystery, and a portrait of old Paris.
fixed phrase 'on many levels' for multiple aspects
Vikram's resignation affected the team on several levels, from daily workflow to long-term project planning.
The show appeals to children and adults on multiple levels, mixing silly jokes with thoughtful lessons.
The court's ruling was troubling on so many levels that experts spent weeks debating it.
- in many respects
more formal, same meaning
- in various ways
more literal, less idiomatic
文法句型
on [many/several/various] levels
用法筆記
Typically used as a parenthetical or afterthought in spoken and written English. Common with adjectives like 'interesting', 'rewarding', 'troubling', 'unfair'.
常見錯誤
8. used to say that something is partly true or that you accept an idea in a limite
used to say that something is partly true or that you accept an idea in a limited way, even when you are not fully certain about it.
On some level, Ignacio knew that leaving his hometown was necessary for his career.
fixed phrase 'on some level' for partial acceptance
On one level the book is a simple adventure story, but it also deals with loyalty and loss.
Abigail was annoyed by Asher's remark, but on some level she agreed with it.
Rin found the training exhausting, yet on some level she understood why the coach pushed them.
- to some degree
similar meaning, slightly more formal
- in a way
less formal, interchangeable in many contexts
文法句型
on [some/one] level
用法筆記
Frequently paired with 'but' or 'yet' to contrast a surface reaction with a deeper feeling. Distinguish from sense 7 (IN MANY WAYS): sense 8 limits the scope, whereas sense 7 expands it across multiple aspects.
常見錯誤
9. a tool with a small glass tube containing coloured liquid and an air bubble, use
a tool with a small glass tube containing coloured liquid and an air bubble, used by builders and carpenters to check whether a surface is flat or exactly horizontal.
The carpenter placed his level on the shelf and adjusted it until the bubble sat in the centre.
concrete tool-use description: place + level + adjust until bubble centred
Folake handed Erik a level and said, "You cannot hang a cabinet straight without one."
Pim checked the wall mark with a level so that the nail holes would be perfectly even.
A basic level costs very little, but it can save hours fixing crooked furniture later.
- spirit level
full name for the same tool
- bubble level
informal name based on the visual indicator
文法句型
use a level
check with a level
用法筆記
Not to be confused with 'surveyor's level' — the consumer tool is sometimes called a 'spirit level' or 'bubble level' to distinguish it from electronic laser levels.
levels — adjective
- levelspositive
- more levelscomparative
- most levelssuperlative
1. positioned so that one surface or object matches the height of another, forming
positioned so that one surface or object matches the height of another, forming an even line between them.
Mei hung the picture so its top was level with the top of the window frame.
level with [noun] for same-height alignment
Vikram stood on a stool to bring his eyes level with the top shelf.
The water in both glasses was level after Fatima poured very carefully.
Luca adjusted the monitor arm so the screen sat level with his eyes while typing.
The two stacks of books became level once Linh added another volume to the shorter pile.
- uneven
not at the same height
- mismatched
not lining up
文法句型
level with [noun]
用法筆記
Often followed by 'with' to state what another thing is compared to.
常見錯誤
2. situated beside or across from a person or object as you travel along a route, p
situated beside or across from a person or object as you travel along a route, path, or line.
When Sofia reached the gate, she was level with the ticket office.
level with [place] for position along a route
Diego parked his car level with the entrance to the supermarket.
The two runners were level with each other as they passed the final bend.
Kevin slowed down as he drew level with the police car on the highway.
When Ayesha passed the cafe, she was level with the fruit stand on the opposite corner.
文法句型
level with [noun]
用法筆記
Describes lateral position along a line of travel, not vertical height. Common when giving directions or describing movement.
3. describing a surface that is perfectly smooth and even across its entire area, w
describing a surface that is perfectly smooth and even across its entire area, without any bumps, dips, or tilt.
Jack checked that the dining table was level before putting the cake on it.
checked that [surface] was level
The ground needs to be level before we can put up the tent.
Noa chose a level patch of grass near the old oak tree for the picnic blankets.
Cyrus used a long piece of string to check if the patio stones were level.
Nia pushed a folded napkin under the short table leg until the whole surface sat level.
- flat
the most common synonym; no bumps or curves
- even
emphasises uniformity of the surface
- horizontal
more technical; means parallel to the horizon
用法筆記
Can describe any surface — floors, tables, roads, ground. Often checked with a spirit level tool.
常見錯誤
4. describing a spoonful or cupful where the contents fill it exactly to the rim wi
describing a spoonful or cupful where the contents fill it exactly to the rim without rising above it, used when measuring ingredients.
Kwame added one level teaspoon of salt to the pot of soup.
level teaspoon / level cup — cooking measurement
The recipe calls for a level cup of flour, not a heaped one.
Fatima measured out a level tablespoon of baking powder for the cake batter.
Liam scooped a level cup of rice from the bag and rinsed it for dinner.
The baker used a knife to scrape off the extra flour and leave a level scoop.
- flat
can describe the same idea in casual cooking contexts
- heaped
filled above the rim of the spoon or cup
文法句型
level [measurement word] of [ingredient]
用法筆記
Always used before a measurement word such as teaspoon, tablespoon, or cup. The opposite is 'heaped' or 'heaping'.
常見錯誤
5. matching another person or thing in price, quantity, achievement, or status, so
matching another person or thing in price, quantity, achievement, or status, so that neither is ahead or behind.
The two job offers were level in terms of salary and benefits.
level in terms of [criterion] — equal on a measure
Ananya felt the competition was not level because one team had far more players.
Both smartphones are level on price, but they differ in camera quality.
The three candidates were level in experience, so the interview results decided the final choice.
Lakan believes the education system is not level because richer schools have far better resources.
文法句型
level in [respect]
level on [measure]
用法筆記
Often used in expressions like 'level playing field' (a fair situation where everyone has the same chance).
常見錯誤
6. matching the opponent's score in a game or contest, with neither side ahead on t
matching the opponent's score in a game or contest, with neither side ahead on the scoreboard.
The scores were level at two goals each when the referee blew the whistle.
level at [number] [goals/points/runs] each — tied score
Amir scored a free kick to make the game level in the final minute.
Olivia checked the scoreboard and saw that both basketball teams were still level.
Sora scored a basket in the last second to pull the team level with the visiting side.
The match stayed level at three goals each until the final whistle of extra time.
- tied
the most common synonym in American English
- drawn
used in British English for tied games
- neck and neck
idiom for a very close competition
文法句型
level at [score]
level with [opponent]
用法筆記
Common in sports reporting. Can be used as 'all level' or 'level pegging' (British informal).
常見錯誤
7. spoken or delivered in a steady, controlled way that shows no strong emotion, es
spoken or delivered in a steady, controlled way that shows no strong emotion, especially during a tense or difficult situation
Walid spoke in a level voice even when his boss shouted at him.
collocation: level voice
Soraya gave her son a level look and told him to stop arguing.
collocation: level look
The teacher kept her voice level as she explained the mistake to the class.
Hari answered the reporter's questions with a level voice and clear answers.
With a level look, Valentina told her friend the truth about the broken vase.
- calm
more general; can describe a person's mood, not just voice or look
- steady
emphasises the evenness and lack of shaking in the voice
- composed
more formal; suggests deliberate self-control under pressure
- controlled
focuses on the effort to suppress emotion
- shaky
opposite — a voice that trembles with emotion
- hysterical
opposite — loud and out-of-control, the extreme contrast to level
文法句型
keep + [possessive] + voice + level
level voice / level look / level gaze
用法筆記
Typically describes how someone speaks or looks during an emotionally charged moment. Frequently paired with 'voice', 'look', or 'gaze'. The predicative pattern 'keep [possessive] voice level' is especially common.