leveln.
/ˈlɛvl/, U.S. /ˈlɛv(ə)l/ I. Senses relating to a horizontal position of rest.† 2. 1896 G. Ade Artie v. 42 On the level, I'm surprised you ain't on to that.1914 P. G. Wodehouse Man Upstairs 63 ‘You look good to muh,’ he said gallantly. ‘The idea!’ said Maud, tossing her head. ‘On the level,’ Mr. Shute assured her.1920 P. G. Wodehouse Damsel in Distress viii. 103 But, on the level, George, how do you get this way?1921 R. D. Paine Comrades Rolling Ocean ix. 162 Don't mind my fooling, Charlie. On the level, I am awfully disappointed.1923 L. J. Vance Baroque vii. 40 No, on the level: if it hadn't been for luck we'd still be guessin'.1923 R. D. Paine Comrades Rolling Ocean iii. 44 This was no fault of mine, on the level.1931 E. Linklater Juan in Amer. iii. iii. 231 ‘You're kidding,’ said Buddy. ‘On the level!’ replied Olympia.1942 T. Rattigan Flare Path ii. ii. 137 On the level. I couldn't really.† 8. The equinox. Obsolete (? nonce-use).
1. figurative.1578 T. Tymme tr. J. Calvin Comm. Genesis 281 The deeds of Men..are..to be examined by Gods level and line.1583 P. Stubbes Second Pt. Anat. Abuses sig. C3 The lawe in it selfe, is the square, the leuell, and rule of equitie, and iustice.a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) iv. i. 238 We steale by lyne and leuell, and't like your grace.1641 J. Milton Reason Church-govt. 7 Should not he..by his owne prescribed discipline have cast his line and levell upon the soule of man.1647 N. Ward Simple Cobler Aggawam 32 Statesmen frame and build by the levell and plummet of his wisdome.† c. figurative. to give level to: ? to take as one's rule or standard. Obsolete.
a. An instrument which indicates a line parallel to the plane of the horizon, used in determining the position as to horizontality of a surface to which it is applied.There are various forms of this instrument according to the materials used and the art in which it is employed, as carpenter's, dumpy, foot, mercurial, plummet, spirit, surveying, water level, etc.: see these words.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > equipment for marking out work > [noun] > level
level1340
water level1563
leveller1693
spirit level1718
pendulum level1728
bubble level1814
Y level1845
striding level1878
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 150 He deþ al to wylle and to þe line, and to þe reule, and to þe leade, and to þe leuele.
1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. xi. 135 I..lered hem liuel [v.r. leuel] and lyne, þauȝ I loke dimme.
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) ii. §38. 46 Ley this ronde plate vp-on an euene grond..& ley it euen bi a leuel.
1412–20 J. Lydgate tr. Hist. Troy ii. xi To make them ioyne by leuell and by lyne.
1574 J. Baret Aluearie L 242 A Leauell, lyne, or carpenters rule.
1594 T. Blundeville Exercises iv. i. f. 209v I..do thinke it better for you to haue such a little leuell made of purpose.
1616 Inventory of P. Oldfeild in J. P. Earwaker Hist. Anc. Parish Sandbach (1890) 136 A Levill and a staffe vjd.
1679 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. vii. 126 If the Plumb-line hang just upon the Perpendicular dd, when the Level is set flat down upon the work, the work is Level.
a1763 W. Shenstone Wks. Verse & Prose (1764) I. 35 The poor mechanic wanders home Collects the square, the level, and the line.
1823 P. Nicholson New Pract. Builder 385 The Level, used by bricklayers, is similar to that of the carpenter.
1866 R. M. Ferguson Electricity 20 A level..is..hung on the axis of the telescope.
b. In some early glosses: = plumb-line.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > equipment for marking out work > [noun] > plumb-line or chalk-line
poundereOE
righteOE
line1340
plummeta1398
plumba1400
perpendicle?c1400
plumb rulec1400
levelc1440
pendant1440
plumb linea1456
levelling-rule1598
perpendicular1604
plummet levelc1850
point-brass1850
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 301/1 Level, rewle, perpendiculum.
1483 Cath. Angl. 215/1 A Levelle, perpendiculum (MS. A. plemmett).
1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Leuel or lyne called a plomb~lyne, perpendiculum.
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1569 J. Sanford tr. H. C. Agrippa Of Vanitie Artes & Sci. xcvi. 166 Neither doo they alowe the Traditions of auncient Doctoures & Fathers, sayinge, that they maie be deceaued and deceaue, but they doo geue leauell to the Churche of Rome alone, which, as they saie, cannot erre.
a. Level condition or position: horizontality. Chiefly in phrases: on, upon a level, in a horizontal line or plane; the level, the horizontal; in level, on the ground (cf. Latin in plano). Obsolete.
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the world > the earth > land > ground > [adverb]
sideOE
on (also at, of, in) lowc1225
agroundc1325
in levela1400
upon shorec1400
at-lowa1500
sidelong1667
à terre1922
the world > space > relative position > horizontal position or condition > [noun]
levela1400
straighta1644
horizontality1753
horizontalism1848
horizontalness1869
the world > space > shape > flatness or levelness > [noun]
evenlinesseOE
evennesseOE
plainnessc1330
flatnessc1440
level1594
levelness1787
planity1803
planeness1858
planarity1956
the world > space > relative position > horizontal position or condition > in a horizontal line or plane [phrase]
on, upon a level1719
in plan1833
a1400–50 Alexander 3261 Now in leuell, now on-loft, now on lawe vndire.
14.. in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 580/30 Equilibrium, a lewel.
1594 H. Plat Diuerse Sorts of Soyle 15 in Jewell House Hee commeth to spread it [dung] all ouer the ground, and layeth the same in equall leuill.
1683 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises II. 108 File off the rising side of the Punch, which brings the Face to an exact Level.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 59 The rising of the Water brought me a little more upon a Level, and a little after, the Water still rising, my Raft floated again.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver II. iii. iv. 61 The Current of a River whose Course is more upon a Level.
b. on the level, (in a) fair, honest, or straightforward (way); reliable, true. Frequently as adv.phr. = honestly; truthfully. colloquial (originally U.S.).
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the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > sincerity, freedom from deceit > [adjective]
aefauldOE
trueOE
true as steela1300
throlya1375
entirec1380
faithfula1382
entirelyc1400
single1519
sincere1533
sincere1539
simple-minded1556
Dunstable?1565
truthful?1567
single-hearted1574
single-minded1577
sound1580
downright1584
unaffected1592
real1597
plain-hearted1601
unartificial1603
free1619
honest1634
fair and square1636
round-dealing1642
wholehearted1657
down flata1663
well-designing1670
heart-whole1684
single-eyed1705
unsanctimoniousa1797
natural1825
bona fide1827
unfallacious1827
jannock1828
forthcoming1835
up and down1836
bonified1840
forthgoing1851
unhypocritical1854
forthright1855
upstanding1863
on the level1872
genuine1890
for real1954
upfront1967
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > truthfulness, veracity > [adverb] > as emphasis
God (it) wot?c1225
goddot?a1289
sooth to sayc1330
truth (also sooth) to tella1375
honestly1819
honest Indian1854
truthfully1854
honest Injun1857
on the level1872
straight1874
honest1876
square dinkum1888
no kidding1901
straight-up1963
1872 G. P. Burnham Mem. U.S. Secret Service p. vii On the level, meeting a man with honorable intentions.
1896 G. Ade Artie vi. 50 I see barrel-house boys goin' around for hand-outs that was more on the level than you are.
1901 ‘J. Flynt’ World of Graft iii. 89 When a man who has been a known thief makes up his mind to quit stealing and live ‘on the level’, they say in the Under World that he has ‘squared it’.
a1909 ‘O. Henry’ Roads of Destiny ix. 157 Bud acted ‘on the level’.
1911 ‘O. Henry’ Rolling Stones (1915) 194 Now, am I talking on the level or am I not?
1932 A. J. Worrall Eng. Idioms 50 You may be quite sure that the business is quite on the level.
1936 N. Marsh Death in Ecstasy xvii. 209 I've had no more'n my fair share. Same goes for Raveenje. He's on the level all right.
1958 R. Graves in Times Lit. Suppl. 15 Aug. p. x/3 He also prefers pools to premium-bond gambling—in which a bloke can't choose his own combination of numbers, so how does one know that it's on the level?
1970 G. F. Newman Sir, You Bastard ii. 47 If you're on the level, we won't object.
3. † c. to hold its level with: to be on an equality with. Obsolete.
a. Position as marked by a horizontal line; an imaginary line or plane perpendicular to the plumb-line, considered as determining the position of one or more points or surfaces. on a (or †the) level with: in the same horizontal plane as.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > horizontal position or condition > [noun] > position as marked by horizontal line
level1535
1535 Act 27 Hen. VIII c. 18 Suche groundes as lye within the leuell of the said water marke.
a1682 Sir T. Browne Certain Misc. Tracts (1683) ix. 152 At least twenty foot in direct height from the level whereon they stand.
1712 W. Rogers Cruising Voy. 367 A Stage is made above the Water, on a Level with the Side of the Boat.
1717 tr. A. F. Frézier Voy. South-Sea 93 Two natural Ditches..sunk down almost to the Level of the Sea.
1717 tr. A. F. Frézier Voy. South-Sea 313 The Rampart behind it is generally upon the Level with Earth~work.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth I. 190 It has been said, that all fluids endeavour to preserve their level; and..that a body pressing on the surface, tended to destroy that level.
1820 J. Keats Hyperion: a Fragm. i, in Lamia & Other Poems 148 To the level of his ear Leaning with parted lips, some words she spake.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xv. 99 The line which marks the level of the ancient ice.
1879 G. C. Harlan Eyesight viii. 116 Light coming from below the level of the head is worse than useless.
1880 S. Haughton Six Lect. Physical Geogr. iv. 170 The level of the lake will continue to fall.
b. to find one's or its level: said of persons or things arriving at their proper place with respect to those around or connected with them.The primary use seems to be that referring to the tendency of two bodies of liquid to ‘find their level’, i.e. to equalize the vertical elevation of their upper surfaces, when free communication is established between them.
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1799 J. Robertson Gen. View Agric. Perth 413 We have adopted a cant-phrase, That things will find their level..It is true with regard to prices, and was at first introduced under this acceptation; But with regard to population it is most incorrect.
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas II. v. i. 343 It was in vain to fret about it; and I soon found my level.
1817 S. T. Coleridge Blessed are ye that Sow 101 Instead of the position, that all things find, it would be less equivocal..to say, that Things are always finding, their level.
1822 W. Hazlitt Table-talk (1869) 2nd Ser. i. 30 A member of parliament soon finds his level as a commoner.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > make equal [verb (transitive)] > be equal to or match
to be even witheOE
match?1529
countervail1530
even1582
suit1583
patterna1586
amate1590
proportionate1590
parallela1594
fellow1596
to hold its level with1598
adequate1599
coequal1599
twin1605
paragonize1606
peer1614
to come upa1616
proportiona1616
paragon1620
parallelize1620
tail1639
to match up to (also with)1958
1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 iii. ii. 17 Could such inordinate and low desires..hold their leuell with thy princely heart? View more context for this quotation
d. A position (on a real or imaginary scale) in respect of amount, intensity, extent, or the like; the relative amount or intensity of any property, attribute, or activity. Frequently preceded by a noun denoting the property, etc., referred to, as danger level, energy level, noise level.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > degree or relative amount of a quality, action, etc. > [noun]
prickOE
degreec1380
greec1386
largenessa1398
rate1523
size1534
pitcha1568
pin1584
scantling1586
intension1604
assize1625
proportion1641
process1655
to a certain extent1671
intensity1794
level1897
1897 Lancet 5 June 1541/1 The pulse had been rising, and by 8.30 p.m. had reached its normal level (72 in the sitting posture).
1926 Encycl. Brit. III. 281/1 Nothing is to be gained by amplifying a signal below the ‘noise level’ at the location of the receiver.
1931 A. W. Nye in L. Cowan Recording Sound for Motion Pict. ii. 31 The sensation level of any sound reaching the ear is the number of decibels it is above the threshold level of audition.
1931 A. W. Nye in L. Cowan Recording Sound for Motion Pict. ii. 31 A change of the level of a sound by 1 db is approximately the smallest that the ear can detect.
1934 G. B. Shaw On the Rocks (new ed.) i, in Too True to be Good 208 By the last returns the export of Spanish onions has again reached the 1913 level.
1935 Discovery Dec. 360/2 A simple timing device will indicate whether this approaches the danger-level.
1942 W. B. Boast Illum. Engin. x. 166 Recommended levels of illumination must provide an adequate safety factor..to maintain visibility well above threshold values for critical tasks.
1948 W. E. Styler in M. Beloff Hist. xv. 320/1 Unemployment reached previously unknown levels, and overseas markets collapsed.
1958 H. G. M. Spratt Magn. Tape Recording vii. 207 When recording it is essential to provide some means of indicating the level of the signal applied to the tape to ensure that it is neither too high nor too low.
1958 H. G. M. Spratt Magn. Tape Recording vii. 208 Low signal levels.
1967 Oxf. Computer Explained 31 Danger level, a predetermined level of stock, which when broken requires that any outstanding delivery previously requested be hastened.
1968 R. Miller & D. Sawers Technical Devel. Mod. Aviation vii. 223 The level of general passenger comfort aboard the four-engined jets.
1971 Times 17 Mar. 21 (advt.) I am encouraged by the current general level of orders and I am sure that because of the action which has been taken since the merger, [etc.].
1973 M. Harrison & B. Waters Burne-Jones iii. 25 Possessing a high level of natural skill Edward Jones made rapid progress.
1973 Nature 23 Nov. 183/1 That could result in dangerous levels of sulphuric acid and sulphates in city air.
1974 Daily Tel. 11 Mar. 16 New house starts over the last three months are down to 40 per cent. of their level at this time last year.
e. Physics. More fully, energy level (see energy level n. 2). An amount of energy associated with an atom or other quantized system and capable of being possessed by one of its constituents, being usually measured relative to the minimum possible energy of that constituent; also, a discrete state of a quantized system characterized by such energy; spec. a state or group of states of an atom characterized by the quantum numbers n, L, S, and J, as distinguished from a ‘term’ (a group of levels: see term n.) and a ‘state’ so called (a constituent of a level: see state n.).
ΚΠ
1922 A. D. Udden tr. N. Bohr Theory of Spectra iii. iv. 116 The values of the atomic energy corresponding to these [stationary] states are frequently referred to as the ‘energy levels’ of X-ray spectra.
1925 H. N. Russell & F. A. Saunders in Astrophysical Jrnl. 61 69 When the series limit—or ionization level—can only be found inaccurately..the common convention of measuring terms from this level becomes inconvenient... A desirable alternative might be to set the zero-level at the lowest term and measure the others upward from this... In such cases, the numerical values referred to the lowest level might be called ‘levels’ to distinguish them from ‘terms’, referred to ionization as zero-point.
1926 R. W. Lawson tr. G. von Hevesy & F. A. Paneth Man. Radioactivity vii. 75 This suggests that even in the nucleus of an atom there are different energy levels.
1934 H. E. White Introd. Atomic Spectra v. 78 [In sodium] just as in hydrogen these energy levels represent certain possible energy states of an electron, and transitions between them represent spectrum lines.
1935 E. U. Condon & G. H. Shortley Theory Atomic Spectra iv. 122 All except s configurations split into two levels, corresponding to j = l + 1/ 2 and j = l − 1/ 2... The (one or) two levels into which each configuration is split are together said to constitute a doublet term.
1955 R. D. Evans Atomic Nucleus iv. 122 After the emission of the β ray, each residual nucleus of Si28 is left in an excited level at about 1·78 Mev above its ground level.
1962 D. F. Shaw Introd. Electronics ix. 170 There are important modifications to the arrangement of energy levels when, as in a crystalline solid, the atoms are separated by distances of the same order of magnitude (10−8 cm) as the atomic diameters themselves... The valence electrons may no longer be associated with a particular atom. They become a group of ‘free electrons’ in energy levels which belong to the lattice as a whole.
1962 R. E. Dodd Chem. Spectrosc. ii. 78 Transitions between rotational levels [of a molecule] without change in vibrational or electronic energy, give lines in the far infra-red and microwave region.
1970 G. K. Woodgate Elem. Atomic Struct. i. 5 The spin–orbit interaction is the largest relativistic effect and is responsible for fine structure. Each term splits into levels whose separations are of the order of 1–1,000 cm−1.
1970 G. K. Woodgate Elem. Atomic Struct. i. 6 The levels are split further into states by the application of a laboratory magnetic field... This is called the Zeeman effect.
f. Statistics. In full, level of confidence or significance. A number chosen as the maximum (or minimum) value of the probability with which any statistical result must be false (or true) for that result to be accepted as having been demonstrated.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > probability or statistics > [noun] > significance
statistical significance1861
significance1888
level of confidence or significance1925
the world > relative properties > number > probability or statistics > [noun] > confidence interval > extreme value of
confidence limit1934
level of confidence or significance1950
1925 R. A. Fisher Statist. Methods vi. 157 Taking the four definite levels of significance, represented by P = ·10, ·05, ·02, and ·01, the table shows for each value of n, from 1 to 20, and thence by larger intervals to 100, the corresponding values of r.
1931 L. H. C. Tippett Methods Statistics iii. 48 Adopting the 0·05 level of significance, a deviation in the mean greater than twice its standard error is statistically significant.
1937 G. U. Yule & M. C. Kendall Introd. Theory Statistics (ed. 11) xxii. 425 There are..two values of P [sc. a probability] which are widely used to provide a rough line of demarcation between acceptance and rejection of the significance of observed deviations. These values are P = 0·05 and P = 0·01, and are said to define 5 per cent. and 1 per cent. levels of significance.
1950 W. Feller Introd. Probability Theory I. vii. 142 However, no sample size can give absolute assurance that |p′ − p| < 0·005... Since absolute certainty is unattainable, we settle for an arbitrary confidence level α, say α = 0·95, and require that |p′ − p| < 0·005 with probability 0·95 or better.
1972 Jrnl. Social Psychol. 87 39 The situations variable was significant at the ·01 level for all four dependent variables.
1972 Jrnl. Social Psychol. 87 48 A t value of 2·33 or greater indicates that differences between the high and low criterion group means are significant at the ·01 level of confidence.
g. Contextually in Broadcasting, etc.: the sound level or signal level as it shows up in the different pieces of equipment. Also attributive in level test n. a test of signal levels to determine whether changes in control settings, microphone positions, etc., are required.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > broadcasting > putting on or producing broadcast > [noun] > monitoring or testing
monitoring1924
level test1940
pre-fade1952
prefading1962
society > communication > broadcasting > putting on or producing broadcast > [noun] > signal level
level1940
1940 E. McGill Radio Directing ix. 184 If many sound effects are devised it will be found that a great amount of rehearsal time will be consumed in trying to bring to perfection the levels and balances of sounds against orchestra..under unfavorable acoustic circumstances.
1941 B.B.C. Broadcasting Terms 17 Level test.
1962 A. Nisbett Technique Sound Studio iv. 79 The purpose of control of levels and lining-up of equipment..is to make the best use of the region between which noise and distortion overtake the recording.
1966 Listener 4 Aug. 181/3 Delius's Requiem..seemed harassed by eccentric studio management, with levels all over the place.
1966 B. Glemser Dear Hungarian Friend xiii. 223 We must do a level test... Just talk naturally..and we will see what we pick up.
1969 J. Elliot Duel iii. iii. 251 He wants you to say a few words..just for the level.
4.
a. Position, plane, standard, in social, moral, or intellectual matters. on or upon a level: on the same ‘plane’, on an equality (with).
ΚΠ
1609 S. Daniel Civile Wares (rev. ed.) iv. xviii. 92 Aboue the leuell of subiection.
1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. iv. xvii. sig. Gg8v All these shall sink themselves to his Level.
1667 J. Dryden Let. to Sir R. Howard in Annus Mirabilis 1666 Pref. They inspir'd me with thoughts above my ordinary level.
1694 R. South 12 Serm. II. 331 Men, whose aspiring Intellectuals had raised them above the Common Level.
1710 J. Swift Corr. 10 Oct. (1963) I. 183 Their two Lordships might have succeeded easyer than men of my level can..hope to do.
1712 G. Berkeley Passive Obed. §20. 25 The Precept against Rebellion is on a level with other moral Rules.
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 295. ¶4 Where the Age and Circumstances of both Parties are pretty much upon a level.
1732 G. Berkeley Alciphron I. i. xiii. 48 To degrade Humane Kind to a level with Brute Beasts.
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas I. i. xii. 112 It was only reducing feasts and fasts to the level of bread and water.
1828 T. Carlyle Goethe in Foreign Rev. 2 121 The popular man stands on our own level.
1832 H. Martineau Life in Wilds vii. 94 The calamity..had reduced all to one level.
1856 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (1858) II. vii. 182 A present madness which has brought down wisdom to a common level with folly.
1869 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (1876) III. xi. 3 We must place English and Norman writers on a level.
1874 H. Sweet Hist. Eng. Sounds 40 Middle English is practically on a level with Dutch.
1882 J. H. Blunt Reformation Church of Eng. II. 348 A much higher level of doctrine and ritual.
b. A plane or status in respect of rank or authority; position in a hierarchy. Frequently with a qualifying adjective.
ΚΠ
1933 L. Bloomfield Lang. iii. 49 Provincial colorings of standard English are tied up with differences of social level.
1937 A. Huxley Ends & Means x. 148 Examples of non-violence on the governmental level are seldom of a very heroic kind.
1944 Amer. Speech 19 234/1 I have often been amused at the constant recurrence of certain catchwords and phrases in [Government] memoranda... level (‘This matter will be handled at the regional level’).
1945 N.Y. Times 24 June iv. 6/4 One of the reporters asks if he knows of any obstacle to our perfect cooperation with the Russians. Quick as a flash General Eisenhower replied, ‘On my level, none.’
1948 J. R. Masterson & W. B. Phillips Federal Prose vi. 30 Until a program for personnel induction at the infant level can be coordinated with the Federal Prose tutorship objectives, this situation will continue to create embarrassments at the administrative and higher levels.
1952 Economist 20 Sept. How long it takes to get even a simple low-level decision.
1955 Times 10 May 10/1 The western Foreign Ministers have agreed in Paris to invite Russia to a four-Power conference, though the level at which the meeting should be held is not yet decided.
1960 B.S.I. News Jan. 9/2 This sort of progress can only be achieved through full consultation from and with users at the national level.
1962 Sci. Survey 3 263 There exist equally interesting relationships between odours and animal behaviours on a different and more profound level.
1971 Guardian 24 Sept. 22/7 On instructions from director-level, the estimates..had been prepared.
1974 Daily Tel. 1 Apr. 6/7 At the next level of responsibility are the 14 regional health authorities.
1974 Nature 17 May 210/2 In talking about the recognition of [alien] life at the microscopic level the decision is largely an aesthetic one.
1974 R. L. Green & W. Hooper C. S. Lewis x. 253 The stories can be read and enjoyed on at least two levels: by the child who perhaps knows nothing..of any of the authors whose works Lewis knew; and by the reader who knows many.
c. Linguistics. (See quots.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > [noun] > linguistic levels
level1935
interlevel1961
1935 Trans. Philol. Soc. 61 Now to illustrate this empirical analysis of meaning at the phonetic, morphological, syntactical, and semantic levels.
1942 C. F. Hockett in Language Jan.–Mar. 3 Linguistics is a classificatory science. The starting-point in such a science is to define (1) the universe of discourse and (2) the criteria which are used in making the classification. Selection and preliminary ordering of data determine the range of analysis; the choice of criteria fixes the level of analysis. In linguistics there are various ranges,..and two basic levels, phonological and grammatical.
1958 C. Rabin in Aspects of Translation 130 Items which are the same at all levels (e.g. numbers) do not function as level-markers.
1959 M. Halle Sound Pattern Russ. i. 25 The rules of translation which make up the grammar can all be subsumed under the formula ‘replace x by y under condition z’... A set of rules yielding representations of a particular type is called a linguistic level.
1964 E. Bach Introd. Transformational Gram. iv. 59 The word ‘level’ is also used occasionally in another sense to refer to the ordering of rules within a single level and also to the ordering of the PS, transformational, and phonological rules with respect to each other.
1964 M. A. K. Halliday et al. Ling. Sci. i. 10 From these three types of patterning are derived the three principal levels: substance, form and context.
1964 R. H. Robins Gen. Linguistics 12 By extension the term level of language is used to designate those aspects of a language on which at any time the linguist is focusing his attention.
1969 Pocket Oxf. Dict. (ed. 5) (Suppl. Austral. & N.Z. Words) 1017 There are ‘levels of usage’ in Australia and New Zealand as there are elsewhere and the cautionary labels colloq., sl. (= slang), etc., are therefore employed here in the customary manner as a guide to currency.
1973 Archivum Linguisticum 4 17 In the field of English intonation studies, bones of contention..spring readily to mind: levels versus configurations.
5.
a. A (more or less) horizontal superficies; a level or flat surface. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > flatness or levelness > [noun] > flat or level surface or side
floor?a1400
plain?a1425
pane1434
smoothc1440
platform1551
superficies1571
flat1624
level1634
plane1663
sole1711
the world > space > relative position > horizontal position or condition > [noun] > a horizontal plane
flat1605
level1634
1634 W. Tirwhyt tr. J. L. G. de Balzac Lett. 80 To affoord vs meanes to catch Trouts and Pykes, leauing them vpon the leuill [Fr. sur la terre].
1725 W. Broome in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey III. xii. 187 The vessel light along the level glides.
1798 in J. A. Picton City of Liverpool: Select. Munic. Rec. (1886) II. 274 The levels of many of the new streets improperly and irregularly laid out.
1820 P. B. Shelley Œdipus Tyrannus i. 13 There's something rotten in us—for the level Of the State slopes, its very bases topple.
1840 H. H. Milman Hist. Christianity II. ix. i. 284 The level of ecclesiastical or episcopal dignity gradually broke up.
1842 Ld. Tennyson Morte d'Arthur in Poems (new ed.) II. 6 He, stepping down By zigzag paths,..Came on the shining levels of the lake.
1874 J. T. Micklethwaite Mod. Parish Churches 86 Of the Chancel levels and steps.
b. the level, the earth's surface. rare.
ΚΠ
1846 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) ii. 13 ‘Where have you worked all your life?’ ‘Mostly underground Sir, 'till I got married. I come to the level then.’
c. on the level: moderate in ambition or aim.
ΚΠ
1790 J. Reynolds Disc. Royal Acad. (1842) xv. 269 The Caracci..formed..a most respectable school, a style more on the level, and calculated to please a greater number.
6. A level tract of land; a stretch of country approximately horizontal and unbroken by elevations: applied spec. (as a proper name) to certain large expanses of level country, e.g. Bedford Level or the Great Level in the fen district of England; The Levels (formerly The Level), the tract including Hatfield Chase in Yorkshire.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > landscape > level land > [noun] > level place or plain
fieldeOE
wong971
field landOE
woldc1220
flat1296
plainc1325
field placec1384
champaign?a1400
floor?a1400
smeethc1440
plain-land1487
weald1544
champian1589
camp1605
level1623
campaign1628
planure1632
campania1663
esplanade1681
flatland1735
vlakte1785
steppe1837
1623 E. Wynne in R. Whitbourne Disc. New-found-land 109 Our high leuels of land are adorned with Woods.
1642 C. Vermuyden Disc. Drayning Great Fennes 4 The Levell lyeth in sixe Counties.
1661 N. N. (title) A Narrative of all the Proceedings in the Draining of the Great Level of the Fens, Extending into the Counties of Northampton, Lincoln, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, and Huntingdon; and the Isle of Ely.
1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 253 Such Tombs as we met with at Bonaru Level.
1751 J. Bartram Observ. Trav. from Pensilvania 64 We..crossed a run and rode along a rich level for several miles.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth I. 284 The levels of Hatfield-Chace, in Yorkshire.
1835 Penny Cycl. IV. 138/1 Bedford Level..is divided into three parts, which are distinguished as the North, the Middle, and the South Levels.
1841 J. C. Booth Mem. Geol. Surv. Maryland 89 The beautiful tract of land..appropriately called the Levels.
1859 All Year Round 10 Dec. 162 In one level alone, fifteen thousand sheep were drowned.
1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Colonial Reformer (1891) 222 The great saltbush levels of the interior.
7. Mining. (a) A nearly horizontal ‘drift’, passage, or gallery in a mine. (b) A ‘drift’; often (more fully water-level) one serving for drainage purposes; also see quot. 1860. For blind-level n., dip-head level, drowned level, etc., see the first member.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > workplace > places where raw materials are extracted > mine > [noun] > passage > horizontal > types of
level1721
roadway1832
side drift1837
narrow1850
entry1854
rise heading1872
cross-head1877
sump drift1880
gopher-drift1881
stone-heading1892
1721 in Public Rec. Colony of Connecticut (1872) VI. 253 Any disagreement that may happen..amongst..lessees..concern'd in the mines aforesaid, about making any levels (or clearing and cleansing the said levels or shafts).
1805 R. Forsyth Beauties Scotl. I. 270 This gentleman opened a level or mine from the sea,..it drained the upper coal-works.
1827 T. Jarman Powell's Ess. Learning of Devises (ed. 3) II. 137 The leaseholds had mostly been demised as ‘coal-mines and levels at rents’.
1849 G. C. Greenwell Gloss. Terms Coal Trade Northumberland & Durham 35 Level, a drain cut in the bottom stone, to set away or convey water. A pair of levels are a pair of drifts, driven in the water-level direction of the coal, for the purpose of winning coal.
1860 Eng. & Foreign Mining Gloss. (new ed.) (Newcastle Terms) 58 Levels, gutters for the water to run in.
1867 W. W. Smyth Treat. Coal & Coal-mining 129 When the coal to be cut away is a short block, as in the driving of levels.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > period > cycle of time > cycle of the year > [noun] > equinox
evenlengtha1325
equinoctiumc1400
equinoctial?a1475
equinoction1483
vernal equinox (or equinoctial)1534
level1548
equinox1588
autumnal equinox1594
autumn equinox1594
equinoctian1627
fall equinox1844
1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) Æquidiale, the tyme whan the dayes and the nyghtes bee of one lengthe, the leuell of the yere.
II. Senses derived from the verb.† 9. † 10. The ‘sight’ of a gun. Obsolete.
a. The action of aiming a missile weapon, aim. to give level to: to aim (a gun). to lay, bend, take level: to take aim, to aim. Also, the line of fire, the range of the missile. Often in figurative context. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > aim
cast1340
aimc1380
set14..
to lay, bend, take level1548
butt1553
vizyc1600
to level one's aim1667
to make aim1796
sight1842
the world > space > distance > [noun] > limit of distance or reach > to which a thing may be shot
shot1455
shoot1545
level1548
reach1572
range1588
scope1830
carry1851
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > [noun] > aim or aiming
level1548
targeting1961
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > [noun] > range of missile
mesc1390
level1548
range1588
flight1608
effective range1844
the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > aim at > aim (a blow, weapon, etc.)
reachOE
seta1300
shapec1400
ettlec1450
charge1509
bend1530
level1530
aimc1565
butt1594
levy1618
to give level to1669
wise1721
intenda1734
train1795
sight1901
to zero in1944
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > assail with missiles [verb (transitive)] > aim or direct (missile) > aim (missile weapon)
level1530
to give level to1669
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. xxxvjv They shotte out of their towers peces of ordinaunce & hurt such as came within there leuell.
1576 A. Fleming tr. C. Hegendorphinus in Panoplie Epist. 388 The thing whereat you lay the levell of your thoughtes and purposes.
1576 A. Fleming tr. J. Caius Of Eng. Dogges 17 (Missing our marcke) wherat we directed our leuell.
1587 A. Fleming et al. Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) III. Contin. 1320/1 Hir statelie seat is set so high, as that no leuell can be laid against hir walles.
c1595 Countess of Pembroke Psalme cvi. 6 in Coll. Wks. (1998) II. 166 O blessed they whose well aduised sight Of all their life the leuell straight doe bend, With endlesse ayming at the mark of right.
1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet iii. iii. 102 As if that name shot from the deadly leuel of a gun Did murder her. View more context for this quotation
1602 J. Marston Hist. Antonio & Mellida iii. sig. F If you discharge but one glance from the leuell of that set face: O, you will strike a wench.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) iii. ii. 80 My Life stands in the leuell of your Dreames. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) ii. i. 156 I am not an Impostrue [sic], that proclaime My selfe against the leuill of mine aime.
1622 F. Markham Five Decades Epist. of Warre Ded. 2 All his leuels are at true Pietie.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. v. 78 How by the Table to give Level to a Piece of Ordnance, without the Gunner's Rule.
1700 J. Dryden tr. G. Boccaccio Sigismonda & Guiscardo in Fables 128 But in what Quarter of the Cops it lay, His Eye by certain Level could survey.
1718 M. Prior Solomon on Vanity iii, in Poems Several Occasions (new ed.) 475 Be the fair level of thy actions laid, As temperance wills, and prudence may persuade.
b. That which is aimed at; a mark. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > [noun] > intention or purpose > end, purpose, or object > goal or target
markc1275
lodestarc1374
aimc1400
mete1402
pricka1450
butta1522
level1525
white marka1533
goal1540
Jack-a-Lent1553
blankc1557
scope1562
period1590
upshot1591
bird1592
golden goal1597
nick1602
quarry1615
North Star1639
huba1657
fair game1690
endgame1938
target1942
cockshot1995
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > competitive shooting > [noun] > mark or target
markc1275
aimc1400
whitea1475
prop1496
level1525
scope1562
shot-mark1610
target1756
1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles II. xxxviii. 115 The genoways crosbowes shotte so surely, that lightly they myst nat of their leuell.
1591 E. Spenser tr. J. du Bellay Visions in Complaints iii. 4 So far as Archer might his level see.
1599 T. Heywood 2nd Pt. King Edward IV sig. N My breast the leuell was, though you the marke.
c. figurative. Aim, purpose, design. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > [noun] > intention or purpose
willeOE
highOE
thoughtOE
intent?c1225
achesounc1230
attenta1250
couragec1320
devicec1320
minda1325
studya1382
understanding1382
suggestionc1390
meaninga1393
i-minda1400
minta1400
tent1399
castc1400
ettlingc1400
affecta1425
advicec1425
intention1430
purposec1430
proposea1450
intendment1450
supposing?c1450
pretensionc1456
intellectionc1460
zeal1492
hest?a1513
minting?a1513
institute?1520
intendingc1525
mindfulness1530
cogitationa1538
fordrift1549
forecast1549
designing1566
tention1587
levela1591
intendiment1595
design1597
suppose1597
aim1598
regarda1616
idea1617
contemplationa1631
speculation1631
view1634
way of thinking1650
designation1658
tend1663
would1753
predetermination1764
will to art1920
a1591 H. Smith Serm. (1592) 459 This then is the leuell of our message.
a1591 H. Smith Serm. (1592) 969 That this should be the leuel of all our thoughtes that [etc.].
1605 Play Stucley in R. Simpson School of Shakspere (1878) I. 187 That is the end or levels of my thought.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > sight
sight1588
level1611
vizy1828
gun-sight1867
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Mire, the leuell, or little button at th' end of a Peece.
11. Surveying. †to make a level of: to ascertain the differences of elevation in (a piece of land). Obsolete. Also, to take a level = level v.1 5 (absol.). [Old French liveau occurs in this sense.]
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > earth sciences > geography > map-making > surveying > survey [verb (intransitive)] > ascertain vertical contours
to take a level1693
the world > the earth > earth sciences > geography > map-making > surveying > survey [verb (transitive)] > in specific manner
level1598
chain1610
bone1712
dial1747
to make a level of1798
triangulate1833
traverse1838
plane-table1880
resect1888
1693 J. Evelyn tr. J. de La Quintinie Compl. Gard'ner i. ii. xiii. 41 Every Level..must be taken with the Rule and Leveller, which every body knows is a Triangular Instrument with a Lead..hung to a small Cord, and that fix'd to the obtuse Angle.
1798 I. Allen Nat. & Polit. Hist. Vermont 4 In 1785 Captain Twist made a survey and level to ascertain the expence of a canal from the River St. Lawrence to Lake Champlain.
1839 Penny Cycl. XIII. 454/2 Among the operations of levelling, which, within a few years, have been performed on an extensive scale, may be mentioned the series of levels taken across the lands between the Black and the Caspian seas.
Compounds
level-error n. (see quot.).
ΚΠ
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Level-error, the microscopic deviation of the axis of a transit instrument from the horizontal position.
level-point n. (see quot. 1839).
ΚΠ
1797 Encycl. Brit. X. 10/2 The height of the level-point determined on the staff at this place.
1839 Penny Cycl. XIII. 453/2 The relative heights of a series of points on the ground are obtained by means of their vertical distances from others which, on the supposition of the earth being a sphere, are equally distant from its centre; and these..are called level-points.
level-range n. (see quot.).
ΚΠ
1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) Level-Range, (in Gunnery) the same as Point-blank Shot, or the Distance that a piece of Ordinance carries a Ball in a direct Line.
level-staff n. = levelling staff.
ΚΠ
1860–4 Dict. Archit. (Archit. Publ. Soc.) Level staff, an upright staff five feet long, graduated to feet and decimals of a foot... The staff contains two thinner leaves called vanes.
level test n. (see 3g).
level tube n. = bubble tube n. at bubble n. and adj. Compounds 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > equipment for marking out work > [noun] > level > part of
bubble tube1812
level tube1890
1890 W. F. Stanley Surveying Instruments 86 Level Tubes, or Bubble Tubes as they are technically termed, are used in nearly all important surveying instruments.
1950 J. Clendinning Princ. & Use of Surveying Instruments v. 121 The level tube consists of a glass tube, partially filled with liquid, the inner surface of which is carefully ground.
Draft additions 1997
Astronomy. the Level, the constellation Norma.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > constellation > Southern constellations > [noun] > Norma
norma1810
the Level1899
1899 R. H. Allen Star-names 293 (heading) Norma et Regula, the Level and Square.
1964 D. H. Menzel Field Guide Stars & Planets iv. 114 Since they are currently recognized groups, I must include them in the list of 88 constellations..Norma (et Regula), the Level (and Ruler).
1976 I. Ridpath Illustr. Encycl. Astron. & Space 143/2 Norma (the level), a small, faint constellation..introduced by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille.
Draft additions 1997
A storey, floor, or other horizontal subdivision in a building or other structure; used esp. in relation to split-level buildings, rooms, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > [noun] > floor or storey
stagea1300
storeyc1384
loft1526
floor1585
sollar1585
contignation1592
roof1600
flat1801
piano1835
row1873
level1968
1968 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 13 Jan. 42/1 (advt.) Lower level features striking walk-out family room and sauna.
1973 ‘A. Blaisdell’ Crime by Chance (1974) ii. 33 It was a big and beautiful store with impressive ‘levels’ instead of floors.
1984 R. Rendell Tree of Hands ii. xi. 132 They slept in different rooms that night, he on the..lower level of the first floor.
1987 New Yorker 23 Feb. 23/2 Hasbro occupies three levels of a six-story white building.
1990 Apollo July 43/3 At present the Musée de la Mode occupies the top five floors of the pavilion, with the visit beginning on the sixth level and continuing on the floors above.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1902; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
leveladj.adv.
/ˈlɛvl/, U.S. /ˈlɛv(ə)l/ A. adj.
1.
a. Having an even surface; ‘not having one part higher than another’ (Johnson).
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > flatness or levelness > [adjective]
eveneOE
plainc1330
platc1395
planirc1450
level1538
flat1551
evenlya1586
plane1666
unraised1694
planary1724
dead1782
flush1791
square1814
billiard-table1887
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Planities, a playne or leuell grounde.
1559 W. Cuningham Cosmogr. Glasse 83 In any levell and plaine place, with your compasse make a circle.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 (2nd issue) iii. i. 46 That one might..see the reuolution of the times, Make mountaines leuell. View more context for this quotation
1638 J. Milton Lycidas in Obsequies 23 in Justa Edouardo King On the level brine.
1663 B. Gerbier Counsel to Builders ii. 21 The Hearth of a Chimney ought to lie levell, without a border, raised hearths being dangerous.
1720 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad V. xx. 272 Along the level Seas they flew.
1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World ii. 90 We found the Vale fruitful, level, and inhabited.
1840 D. Lardner Treat. Geom. 186 A cylindrical roller passing in one direction only will not produce a level surface.
1849 A. Alison Hist. Europe from French Revol. (new ed.) IV. xxv. 429 Switzerland..comprises the undulating level surface between the Alps and the Jura.
1871 F. T. Palgrave Lyrical Poems 92 The level waves of broad Garonne.
b. figurative. Of quantities: Expressed in whole numbers. Of a race: Showing no difference between the competitors. (Cf. even adj.1 8b.)
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > [adjective] > types of race
well-run1601
unpaced1636
all-age1806
close-run1813
level1826
long distance1826
handicapped1828
neck and neck1828
timed1839
point-to-point1875
side by side1881
middle distance1886
paced1899
two-horse1976
1826 Sporting Mag. 18 316 At the close it was considered a level thing.
1883 W. S. Gresley Gloss. Terms Coal Mining Level Tons, weight of mineral wrought in tons, any odd cwts. not being taken into account.
2. Lying in a plane coinciding with or parallel to the plane of the horizon; horizontal; perpendicular to the plumb-line. level lines (Shipbuilding): see quot. 1850.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > horizontal position or condition > [adjective]
even1340
flatc1440
level1559
horizontal1638
1559 W. Cuningham Cosmogr. Glasse 137 Placing your Instrument (which I name a Geographicall plaine Sphere) Flat, and levell.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. v. 70 The first..graze of the Bullet on the Level-Line, or on the Ground called the Horizontal Plain.
1679 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. vii. 126 When the Level is set flat down upon the work, the work is Level.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. (at cited word) The Screw..is for raising or lowering the little Fork carrying the Hair, and making it agree with the Bubble of Air when the Instrument is level.
1850 J. Greenwood Sailor's Sea-bk. 129 Level lines. Lines determining the shape of a ship's body horizontally, or square from the middle line of the ship.
1860–4 Dict. Archit. (Archit. Publ. Soc.) (at cited word) As applied to a line, this word means any which lies at right angles to one drawn to the centre of the earth, or to a plumb line; or any line which is parallel to the horizon. As applied to a plane, the term ‘level’ signifies any in which all lines drawn in any direction are level lines as before defined.
3.
a. Lying in the same horizontal plane as something else; on a level with. Also figurative, on an equality with; readily accessible or intelligible to.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > [adjective]
understandinga1382
sensiblea1393
knowablea1425
perceivablec1443
takablec1449
understandablec1475
intendible1489
intentiblea1492
intelligible1509
facile1531
level1559
discernable1561
receptible1574
intendable?1577
excogitable1592
penetrable1594
comprehensible1598
scrutablec1604
distinguishable1611
discernible1616
perviousa1631
fathomable1633
cognoscible1648
colligible1650
determinable1658
intelligent1676
cognizable1681
apprehensive1692
susceptible1694
tangible1709
apprehensible1715
pronounced1728
comprehendible1814
graspable1818
prehensiblea1832
prononcé1838
possible1864
receivable1865
unsmothered1891
readable1908
discriminable1946
the world > space > relative position > horizontal position or condition > [adjective] > lying in same horizontal plane
evena1400
level1559
equala1649
level1795
flush1799
square1814
aflush1880
the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > [adjective] > equal or on the same level > with
level1559
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > [adjective] > usable > available > readily
readyc1175
ready to (also at) handa1393
present1533
level1559
1559 W. Cuningham Cosmogr. Glasse 16 So that a man inhabiting under..th' equinoctial, do perceive both..the North pole, and..the South, levell with th' earth.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 iv. iii. 7 Euery thing lies leuell to our wish. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) iv. xvi. 68 Young Boyes and Gyrles Are leuell now with men. View more context for this quotation
1642 T. Fuller Holy State i. iii. 8 He overshoots such low matter as lie levell to a womans eye.
1643 J. Caryl Nature Sacred Covenant 14 All our actions ought to be levell with reason.
1703 W. Dampier Voy. New Holland i. 32 Just by the Landing-place there is a small Fort, almost level with the Sea.
1726 Bp. J. Butler 15 Serm. xv. 307 We should..apply ourselves to that which is level to our Capacities.
1813 P. B. Shelley Queen Mab v. 59 When the tall trees..Lie level with the earth to moulder there.
1867 J. R. Lowell Biglow Papers 2nd Ser. (new ed.) Introd. p. x Lincoln..was master..of a truly masculine English,..level at once to the highest and lowest of his countrymen.
1888 H. Sweet Hist. Eng. Sounds (new ed.) Pref. p. vii I have done my best to keep level with the latest results of foreign investigation.
b. level crossing n. a place at which a road and a railway, or two railways, cross each other at the same level. Also attributive.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > rail travel > railway system or organization > [noun] > level-crossing
farm crossing1839
level crossing1840
level crossing1841
surface crossing1841
railway crossing1851
1841 S. C. Brees Gloss. Civil Engin. Level or Paved Crossing (on a railway).
1851 Official Descriptive & Illustr. Catal. Great Exhib. I. 117 Simultaneously-acting level-crossing gates for railways.
1879 G. A. Sala in Daily Tel. 26 Dec. The perils of level-crossings.
1895 Law Times 100 133/2 A man who had been killed at a level crossing by a railway train.
4.
a. Of two or more things with respect to one another: Situated in the same level or plane. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > horizontal position or condition > [adjective] > lying in same horizontal plane
evena1400
level1559
equala1649
level1795
flush1799
square1814
aflush1880
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) i. iii. 111 Where qualities were leuell. View more context for this quotation
1795 J. Phillips Gen. Hist. Inland Navigation (rev. ed.) 8 To raise or fall Vessels out of one Canal into another, where they are not level.
1820 J. Keats Eve of St. Agnes in Lamia & Other Poems 85 The level chambers..Were glowing to receive a thousand guests.
b. Equal in quality or position. slang.
ΚΠ
1894 J. D. Astley Fifty Years of my Life II. 328 I'll toss yer who pays for level drinks.
5. Lying, moving, or directed in an (approximately) horizontal plane: esp. poetic, e.g. of the rays of the sun when it is low down on the horizon.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > horizontal position or condition > [adjective] > lying in an approximately horizontal plane
level1667
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 634 He..Now shaves with level wing the Deep, then soares [etc.] . View more context for this quotation
1760 J. Beattie tr. Virgil 2nd Pastoral in Orig. Poems & Transl. 106 The setting sun now beams more mildly bright, The shadows lengthening with the level light.
1801 T. Campbell Hohenlinden 21 Scarce yon level sun Can pierce the war-clouds, rolling dun.
1832 H. Martineau Life in Wilds viii. 103 The last level rays were glittering on the stream.
1840 R. Browning Sordello iii. 205 The level wind carried above the firs Clouds.
1851 Official Descriptive & Illustr. Catal. Great Exhib. II. 375 The shafts, being bent, bring the body level when at work.
1885 R. Bridges Eros & Psyche vi. ii. 66 The level sunbeams searched the grassy ground For diamond dewdrops.
6.
a. Of even, equable, or uniform quality, tone, or style; of even tenor.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > uniformity > [adjective]
oneOE
consimilec1400
suinga1425
even?c1425
agreeable1512
uniform1540
consemblable?1541
suant1547
constantc1550
just?1556
similar1563
similary1564
unvaried1570
uniformal1574
consimilar1577
homogeneana1601
homogeneal1603
homogene1607
invariable1607
of a piece1607
undistinguisheda1616
univocal1615
immutable1621
uniformable1632
solemn1639
homogeneous1646
consistent1651
pariformal1651
self-consistent1651
congeniousa1656
level1655
undiversificated1659
equal1663
of one make1674
invarieda1676
congenerous1683
undiversified1684
equable1693
solid1699
consisting1700
tranquil1794
unbranching1826
horizontal1842
sole1845
self-similar1847
homoeomeric1865
equiformal1883
monochrome1970
1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. i. 35 In which Relation we much commend the even tenour thereof, consisting of so level Lies, that no one swelling Improbability is above the rest.
1764 O. Goldsmith Traveller 12 Their level life is but a smould'ring fire.
1802 Sketch of Paris II. lv. 214 Her voice was formerly very full in the medium or level-speaking.
1841 L. Hunt Seer ii. 62 A passage..delivered..all in a level tone.
1861 Illustr. London News 7 Dec. 569/3 The best of the pair..a nice level animal.
1873 M. Arnold Lit. & Dogma vii. 204 A very plain and level account.
1894 Field 1 Dec. 828/1 The owner of a beautifully level pack of hounds.
1899 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. VI. 56 A leisured and level life.
Categories »
b. level-dyeing: a method of dyeing devised to prevent unequal absorption of the colouring matter. (In recent dictionaries.)
7. † a. ‘Equipoised, steady’ (Schmidt). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > discernment, discrimination > [adjective] > of judgement: considered, sound
adviseda1325
ballasted1552
level1600
weighed1647
unprevaricate1652
unmuddied1654
solid1662
emunct1679
unintuitive1842
the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > [adjective] > of or relating to equilibrium > balanced
evenc1390
pesablea1500
balanced1592
level1600
well-poised1603
well-balanceda1622
equipendenta1640
equilibrious1643
equiponderant1646
equiponderate1646
adjusted1652
equilibrous1652
equilibrated1664
equipoised1681
fairly-balanced1779
equilibriated1870
equilibrized1889
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 ii. i. 115 It is not a confident brow, nor the throng of words..can thrust me from a leuel consideration. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) ii. iv. 30 Let still the woman take An elder then her selfe, so weares she to him; So swayes she leuell in her husbands heart.
b. Said of the ‘head’ or mental ‘make up’: Well balanced. So level head, a well-balanced person. Originally U.S.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > common sense > [adjective]
wittyc1380
perceivedc1425
sensible?a1439
sober-minded1534
staida1555
sonsy1568
mother-witted1593
unfoolish1603
capable1609
sober1619
hard-headed1779
commonsensical1792
sensical1795
sober-minded1811
common-sensible1813
savvy1826
common sensed1834
level1869
level-headed1879
square-headed1896
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > common sense > [noun] > person
sensible1747
level head1906
1869 ‘M. Twain’ Innocents Abroad xl. 426 The wanderers were right, and the heads of the same were level.
1870 Orchestra 12 Aug. 331/1 To tell a woman her head is level is apparently a compliment in America.
1876 B. Harte Gabriel Conroy vi. vii There is a strong feeling among men whose heads are level that this Minstrel Variety performance is a bluff.
1891 B. Harte First Family Tasajara ii. 71 Mrs. Ashwood's head was about as level as it was pretty.
1906 ‘O. Henry’ Four Million 204 James Williams belonged among the level heads.
8. Plain, point-blank. rare.
ΚΠ
1820 J. Keats Lamia ii, in Lamia & Other Poems 45 He look'd and look'd again a level—No!
9. one's level best: one's very best; the utmost one can possibly do. Also levelest in the same sense, and similarly level worst, etc. colloquial or slang (originally U.S.).Of these only level best is standard in the U.K.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > [noun] > one's best endeavour
devoir1362
darned1844
one's level best1851
1851 An Arkansaw Doctor 87 We put our horses out at their level best.
1873 E. E. Hale (title) His Level Best.
1882 Illustr. Sport. News 29 July 467/2 His was an honest old hairy-heeled hunter, no doubt, and did her level best.
1884 ‘M. Twain’ Adventures Huckleberry Finn xxviii. 249 The old man..was on hand and looking his level pisonest.
1885 H. R. Haggard King Solomon's Mines (1887) 102 Then came a pause, each man aiming his level best.
1891 Harper's Mag. July 208/2 The pony will not do his level worst again.
1898 H. S. Canfield Maid of Frontier 97 She told me..that she was goin' to do her levelest to make our little home comfortable.
1920 J. Galsworthy In Chancery ii. vii. 186 Val walked out behind his mother, chin squared, eyelids drooped, doing his level best to despise everybody.
1933 M. Lowry Ultramarine 205 You've been doing your level best to make life a misery to me since we left home.
1937 V. Bartlett This is my Life xi. 179 Everyone was doing his level best to make me feel nervous.
1953 R. Lehmann Echoing Grove ii. 89 When the pain nagged he thought about the relation between worry and his acid juices, and did his level best to stop worrying.
1969 Listener 24 Apr. 556/1 He did his level best to suppress the views of other members of the embassy.
With direct aim; on a level with. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > horizontal position or condition > [adverb] > in the same horizontal plane
equally1577
level1601
the world > space > direction > [adverb] > straight or due > with direct aim
point-blank1579
level1601
punctually1657
1601 J. Marston et al. Iacke Drums Entertainm. iii. sig. E Welcome Basilisco, thou wilt carry leuell, and knock ones braines out with thy pricking wit.
1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet iv. i. 39 + 3 Whose whisper ore the worlds dyameter, As leuell as the Cannon to his blanck, Transports his poysned shot.
1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet iv. v. 151 It shall as leuell to your iudgement peare As day dooes to your eye. View more context for this quotation
1649 E. Reynolds Israels Prayer (new ed.) vi. 92 If he mount a canon, and point that levell against the enemie.
1660 R. Allestree Gentlemans Calling 4 If he choose either to look level on the same nature with himself, or direct his eyes upward.
Compounds
C1. Chiefly parasynthetic.
level-backed adj.
ΚΠ
1926 R. Kipling Debits & Credits 232 Level-backed and level-bellied watch 'em move.
level-balanced adj.
ΚΠ
1917 D. H. Lawrence Look! We have come Through! 66 She Put back her fine, level-balanced head.
level-bellied adj.
ΚΠ
1926Level-bellied [see level-backed adj.].
level-browed adj.
ΚΠ
1938 H. Belloc Sonnets & Verse 199 Level-browed divine Touraine.
level-grown adj.
ΚΠ
1866 G. M. Hopkins Jrnls. & Papers (1959) 136 Beech branches..with level~grown pieces of pale window-like green.
level-lidded adj.
ΚΠ
1926 E. Bowen Ann Lee's 146 Miss Phelps' blue, calm, level-lidded eyes.
level-mouthed adj.
ΚΠ
1948 C. L. B. Hubbard Dogs in Brit. 301 The muzzle is long, powerful and level-mouthed.
level-ranked adj.
ΚΠ
1867 G. M. Hopkins Jrnls. & Papers (1959) 153 Very level-ranked sunset.
level-tempered adj.
ΚΠ
1939 D. Cecil Young Melbourne i. 23 Level-tempered and rational, she found scenes and caprices as tiresome as they did.
level-topped adj.
ΚΠ
1796 W. Withering Arrangem. Brit. Plants (ed. 3) IV. 16 Crust forming cylindrical level-topped bundles.
1847 W. E. Steele Handbk. Field Bot. 172 Umbel level-topped.
C2.
level-compounded adj. Electrical Engineering applied to a compounded generator in which the windings are such as to produce the same voltage on full load as on no load (and usually on intermediate loads also); = flat-compounded adj. at flat adj., adv., and n.3 Compounds 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > electrical engineering > generator > [adjective] > producing same voltage
level-compounded1915
1915 W. T. Maccall Continuous Current Electr. Engin. viii. 204 The point, B, at which the generator is level-compounded, i.e. has the same P.D. as at no load, can be made to occur at any one load.
1957 A. T. Starr Appl. Electr. vii. 182 An over~compounded generator really acts as a level-compounded generator plus a booster.
1971 L. T. Agger Introd. Electr. xvi. 298 In the level-compounded generator L the p.d. on full load is the same as on no load, and it varies only slightly in between. This is useful where the load changes rapidly, as in traction systems.
level-handed adj. having the same amount in hand.
ΚΠ
1836 Ann. Reg. 1835 Chron. 49/1 Now we are level-handed; you've got 5l. and I've got 5l.
level-lander n. a dweller on level land.Apparently an isolated use.
ΚΠ
1864 C. M. Yonge Trial I. 65 ‘Much you know of hills, you level landers!’
level luffing n. luffing in which the load is maintained at constant height; frequently attributive, as level luffing crane.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > working with tools or equipment > [noun] > lifting or hoisting equipment
windingc1440
slinging1685
windlassing1834
braking1857
level luffing1922
1922 H. H. Broughton Electr. Handling of Materials III. 33 Few level-luffing arrangements have been devised by crane makers on the Continent.
1963 R. Hammond Mobile & Movable Cranes iv. 110 Level luffing is achieved by the Babcock ‘swan neck’ supported by a fixed guy rope.
1971 Engineering Apr. 65 (advt.) Level luffing cranes.
Draft additions 1997
Of a quantity, esp. a spoonful, of a dry substance or ingredient: even with the brim of the container or measure; not heaped (see heaped adj. 2).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > the scientific measurement of volume > measure(s) of capacity > [adjective] > level
level1907
1907 Mrs. Beeton's All about Cookery (new ed.) 216/2 3 level cupfuls of flour.
1936 E. Craig Cookery & Househ. Managem. 8 When measuring ingredients which are not liquid..a heaped spoonful equals 2 level or liquid spoonfuls.
1965 Observer 28 Mar. (Colour Suppl.) 34/1 One could be pedantic and write back: I mean ‘a rounded tablespoon’ unless you want a thinner soup, sauce or stew, in which case I mean ‘a level tablespoon’.
1982 N.Y. Times 17 Mar. c7/1 Subtract two level tablespoons of flour for each cup of cake flour that the recipe calls for.
Draft additions July 2002
level playing field n. colloquial (originally U.S.) a state or condition of parity or impartiality; a situation offering equality of opportunity or in which fairness to all parties is observed.
ΚΠ
1979 Amer. Banker 8 Jan. 2 [He] said the Oregon BA welcomed ‘any and all competition, on a level playing field’.
1988 Independent 1 Sept. 5/4 The US side is opposed to subsidiaries, arguing they want ‘a level playing field’ if Canadians are allowed more access.
1998 P. Lively Spiderweb (1999) iii. 30 They have arrived here from very different backgrounds, too, propelled on to the level playing field of higher education by brains and application.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1902; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
levelv.1
/ˈlɛvl/, U.S. /ˈlɛv(ə)l/ I. Senses relating to balance or equality.
1. figurative.1812 Gen. Hist. in Ann. Rev. 132 Inflammatory writings inculcating levelling notions.† c. To balance, settle (accounts). Obsolete.
a. transitive. To make (a surface) level or even; to remove or reduce inequalities in the surface of. †Also, to spread or distribute in a flat layer.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > flatness or levelness > make flat or level [verb (transitive)]
evenlOE
slighta1300
planec1350
complanec1420
levelc1450
dismount1563
planish1580
equalize1596
equal1610
to even out1613
flat1613
flattena1631
complanate1643
platten1688
reconcile1712
range1825
macadamize1826
lay1892
plata1903
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > covering > a layer > arrange in layers [verb (transitive)] > place or insert as a layer > as flat layer
level1795
c1450 Jacob's Well (1900) 3 Levell þi ground of þi welle be-nethe, wyth þe leuell of equyte.
1509 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 112 That ye hygheway..be made and levelde at my cost and charge wt grawell and stonys.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 609/2 I levell, as a carpenter or mason dothe his grounde, or their tymber, or stones or they square them, with a lyne..This florthe is well leavelled: cest astre est bien aplanyée.
1641–2 in H. J. F. Swayne Churchwardens' Accts. Sarum (1896) 213 Leveling ye ground in ye body of ye Ch.
1700 Moxon's Mech. Exercises: Bricklayers-wks. 20 The Foundations being all made firm, and levelled.
1795 J. Phillips Gen. Hist. Inland Navigation (rev. ed.) Add. 40 The rubbish, &c. dug in making the canal, is to be leveled on the adjoining ground in a proper manner.
1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits xi. 197 The road that grandeur levels for his coach.
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People ii. §6. 92 Street and lane were being levelled to make space for the famous Churchyard of S. Paul's.
b. to level out: to extend on a level; †figurative to contrive, procure (an opportunity).
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > extend [verb (transitive)] > extend on a level
to level out1606
the world > action or operation > carrying out > execute, perform, or carry out [verb (transitive)] > achieve or effect
helpc1410
obtain?a1425
procurec1425
practise?a1439
upholdc1450
furnish1477
to bring about1480
to bring to passc1513
conduce1518
contrive1530
to make good1535
moyen1560
effect1581
effectuatea1586
to level out1606
operate1637
to carry offa1640
efficiate1639
work1761
engineer1831
1606 G. W. tr. Justinus Hist. xvi. 65 b [Demetrius hoped] to leauell out fit opportunity himselfe to inuade the kingdome.
1644 J. Milton Doctr. Divorce (ed. 2) 59 To limit and level out the direct way from vice to vertu, with straitest and exactest lines on either side.
1850 J. Greenwood Sailor's Sea-bk. 129 Levelled-out, a line continued out in a horizontal direction from the intersection of an angle; or where the cant-timbers may intersect the diagonal or riband lines.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > management of money > keeping accounts > keep accounts [verb (transitive)] > add up and ascertain differences > balance or reconcile
strike1539
sald1588
rescounter1606
even1619
balance1622
level1660
square1815
reconcile1822
agree1882
cash1960
1660 in H. M. Burt First Cent. Hist. Springfield (1898) I. 270 Theire last Rate did not Levell all acots, But..there is still £2 17s. 4d. for ye Towne to allow, for ye clearing of all acots.
d. Dyeing. To make (colour) uniform or even.
ΚΠ
1874 W. Crookes Pract. Handbk. Dyeing 549 This liquid [tartar] is employed by some dyers for ‘levelling’ certain colours..upon woollen and worsted goods.
e. Phonetics. To alter (a sound) so that it falls together with a similar sound. Usually const. under.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > study of speech sound > speech sound > sound changes > [verb (transitive)] > assimilate or fall together
assimilate1854
level1884
1884 H. Sweet First Middle Eng. Primer 5 The old diphthongs ea, ēa, eo, ēo became monophthongic, ea being levelled under O.E. æ, written e in M.E., and ēa under O.E. ǣ, so that such a pair as the O.E. heard and þæt were both pronounced with the same vowel.
1888 H. Sweet Hist. Eng. Sounds (new ed.) 178 In North. ā has been preserved unrounded up to the present day in the Scotch dialects, where it has been levelled under new long â.
1972 Eng. Stud. 53 503 There is, however, another type of development by which ME ǭr and ME ŏr were levelled under the same sound as early as the fifteenth century.
2. To place (two or more things) on the same level or (horizontal) plane. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > horizontal position or condition > place in horizontal position [verb (transitive)] > bring to one level
level1563
equalize1596
equal1610
equiparate1632
1563 T. Hill Arte Gardening (1593) 14 You shall leuell your beds and borders of a height and breadth by a line laide out, whereby to weede the hearbes.
1599 Master Broughtons Lett. Answered xiii. 44 The two passages were leuelled..vpon one floore, the one leading into Elysium, the other into Tartarus.
1863 W. Phillips Speeches iii. 44 Gunpowder leveled peasant and prince.
1867 ‘Ouida’ Cecil Castlemaine's Gage 1 Cecil Castlemaine was the beauty of her country and her line..her face levelled politics, and was cited as admiringly by the Whigs..as by the Tories.
3.
a. figurative. to level (a person or thing) with (now rare), to, †unto: to bring or reduce to the level or standard of; to put on a level, equality, or par with. Also occasionally intransitive for passive, to be on a par with (? obsolete). Also reflexive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > make equal [verb (transitive)] > make equal or put on a par or level
peisea1425
to level (a person or thing) with (now rare), to, unto1603
equalize1634
level1815
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > suit or be suitable for [verb (transitive)]
suit1431
queemc1540
fita1586
sort1587
suit1600
to level (a person or thing) with (now rare), to, unto1603
to comply with1626
opportunea1634
commodiate1641
commode1655
lend1854
1603 King James VI & I in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1824) 1st Ser. III. 79 Sa mon ye levell everie mannis opinions..unto you as ye finde thaime agree or discorde with the reulis thaire sett doun.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. iii. 238 Which such accomodation? and besort As leuels with her breeding.
a1627 T. Middleton & W. Rowley Changeling (1653) i. sig. C2 To levell him with a Headborough, Beadle, or Watchman, were but little better then he is.
1667 R. Allestree Causes Decay Christian Piety v. 85 Those brutish appetites which would..level its superior with its inferior faculties [etc.].
1673 J. Flavell Fountain of Life v. 58 The Arrians deny'd his Deity, leveling him with other meer men.
1748 Defoe's Tour Great Brit. (ed. 4) I. 86 To see a Person of Distinction..level himself with a Groom..is a thing scarce credible.
1800 Marquess Wellesley in Select. Despatches (1877) 739 In the nature of their duty, they are levelled with the native and Portuguese clerks.
1824 B. Travers Dis. Eye (ed. 3) 327 It levels with the proposal to extract through the sclerotica.
1828 W. Sewell Oxf. Prize Ess. 31 His arrogance levelled the slave with the brute creation.
1847 W. H. Prescott Hist. Conquest Peru II. iii. x. 40 Its heaven-descended aristocracy was levelled almost to the condition of the peasant.
1879 W. H. Dixon Royal Windsor II. xiii. 137 The recently created dukes were levelled to their ancient rank.
1907 Daily Chron. 25 May 1/7 Another halfpenny may possibly be put on the loaf before prices level themselves again.
b. to level up, down: to bring up, down to the level of something (expressed or implied). Also absol., and intransitive for reflexive.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > humility > make humble [verb (transitive)]
edmodienc1175
lowc1175
meekc1175
lessa1382
abatec1390
abasea1393
belowc1400
meekenc1400
disadvance?c1425
simplec1450
lowlyc1485
humilea1492
chasten1526
to pare the nails ofa1549
lessen1579
vail1582
to take (something) a hole lower1591
destate1615
humblea1616
thorough-humblea1617
humiliate1656
level1712
unnichea1751
to level up, down1791
unpedestal1821
to take the starch out of1830
the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > make equal [verb (transitive)] > make equal or put on a par or level > by bringing up or down
to level up, down1791
1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1763 I. 243 [Johnson:] Sir, your levellers wish to level down as far as themselves; but they cannot bear levelling up to themselves.
1809 Sir J. Anstruther Speech House of Commons 11 May in Cobbett's Weekly Polit. Reg. 20 May 754 Another party..whose object was to level down all public men to their own very humble state.
1873 P. G. Hamerton Intellect. Life (1876) iii. viii. 111 To which he may level up.
1897 J. Morley Speech 16 Jan. To level up the beer and spirit duties.
c. simply. To lower the position of, bring down.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > humility > make humble [verb (transitive)]
edmodienc1175
lowc1175
meekc1175
lessa1382
abatec1390
abasea1393
belowc1400
meekenc1400
disadvance?c1425
simplec1450
lowlyc1485
humilea1492
chasten1526
to pare the nails ofa1549
lessen1579
vail1582
to take (something) a hole lower1591
destate1615
humblea1616
thorough-humblea1617
humiliate1656
level1712
unnichea1751
to level up, down1791
unpedestal1821
to take the starch out of1830
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 485. ⁋1 'Tis infinite pleasure to the majority of mankind to level a person superior to his neighbours.
d. To bring to a level pace.
ΚΠ
1868 H. Woodruff & C. J. Foster Trotting Horse Amer. xx. 180 Very soon..Ripton got levelled, and began to trot in his fine, commanding style.
4.
a. To bring to the level of the ground; to lay low, lay ‘even with the ground’, to raze. Also to level to or with the ground, in the dust.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > breaking or cracking > break [verb (transitive)] > break down, demolish, or ruin
spillc950
fellOE
to cast downc1230
destroy1297
to turn up?c1335
to throw down1340
to ding downc1380
to break downa1382
subverta1382
underturn1382
to take downc1384
falla1400
to make (a building, etc.) plain (with the earth)a1400
voida1400
brittenc1400
to burst downc1440
to pull downc1450
pluck1481
tumble1487
wreck1510
defacea1513
confound1523
raze1523
arase1530
to beat downc1540
ruinate1548
demolish1560
plane1562
to shovel down1563
race?1567
ruin1585
rape1597
unwall1598
to bluster down16..
raise1603
level1614
debolish1615
unbuilda1616
to make smooth work of1616
slight1640
to knock down1776
squabash1822
collapse1883
to turn over1897
mash1924
rubble1945
to take apart1978
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (transitive)] > bring to the ground/lay low
layc888
afelleOE
to throw downa1250
groundc1275
to lay to ground, to earth (Sc. at eird)c1275
stoopc1275
evena1382
abatec1390
to bring downa1400
falla1400
welt?a1400
throwa1450
tumble1487
succumb1490
strewa1500
vaila1592
flat1607
level1614
floor1642
to fetch down1705
drop1726
supplant1751
1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. i. iii. §5. 41 All downe-right raines doe..beate downe, and leuell the swelling and mountainous billow of the Sea.
1619 E. M. Bolton tr. Florus Rom. Hist. iii. x. 309 He..leuel'd Alexia to the ground with fire.
1685 T. Otway Windsor Castle 13 The Hero levell'd in his humble Grave.
1712 J. Warder True Amazons 35 Here twice ten thousand Houses levell'd are.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. viii. 229 Many noble trees were levelled with the ground.
1807 G. Chalmers Caledonia I. iii. vii. 395 Many of those tumuli have been levelled of late.
1870 W. C. Bryant tr. Homer Iliad I. iv. 106 Should I design to level in the dust Some city.
1878 R. Browning La Saisiaz in La Saisiaz: Two Poets of Croisic 12 May-dawn dews Saw the old structure levelled.
b. To knock (a person) down. Cf. leveller n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (transitive)] > bring to the ground/lay low > knock down > specifically a person or animal
fellOE
to strike down1470
quell1535
to run down1587
to trip (also turn, tumble, kick, etc.) up a person's heels1587
to strike up the heels of1602
level1770
silence1785
grass1814
send1822
to send to grass1845
beef1926
deck1953
1770 H. Brooke Fool of Quality V. xvii. 165 I ran one of the assassins through the body; my servant levelled two more with his oaken staff.
1816 Sporting Mag. 48 187 The unfortunate Mordecai, who had been levelled very often by the rough son of Neptune.
c. transferred and figurative. To reduce or remove (inequalities). Also with out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > make equal [verb (transitive)] > make equal or put on a par or level
peisea1425
to level (a person or thing) with (now rare), to, unto1603
equalize1634
level1815
1642 D. Rogers Naaman 3 Preparing and levelling their rough and high spirits for the Lord Jesus.
1815 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art I. 82 These inequalities are soon levelled by a file.
1821 C. Lamb in London Mag. Aug. 154/2 The mercantile spirit levels all distinctions.
1856 B. Brodie Psychol. Inq. (ed. 3) I. vi. 220 Circumstances of trial, which, more than anything else, level all artificial distinctions.
1938 Times 24 Jan. 21/4 Later he took up with the heads of the motor industry..the question of their co~operating with the Government to level out the production and sales of cars.
1971 Fremdsprachen xv. 227/1 Much can be done to level out these differences by proper use of incentive and social purpose funds derived from the profits of enterprises.
d. To get rid of, put away, by levelling. Also intransitive, with away: to become level.
ΚΠ
1910 J. Galsworthy Sheaf (1916) 132 All the natural weaknesses and limitations of the dwellers shall be..levelled away and minimized.
1921 J. Galsworthy To Let ii. ii. 140 Those two crumpled rose leaves, Fleur's caprice and Monsieur Profond's snout, would level away if he lay on them industriously.
5. Surveying. To ascertain the differences of level in (a piece of land); to ascertain the vertical contour of, ‘run’ a section of; hence, to lay out. Also absol. or intransitive, to take levels.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > earth sciences > geography > map-making > surveying > survey [verb (transitive)] > in specific manner
level1598
chain1610
bone1712
dial1747
to make a level of1798
triangulate1833
traverse1838
plane-table1880
resect1888
1598 [implied in: J. Florio Worlde of Wordes Scandaglio, a plummet, or line to sounde with, a leuelling rule. (at levelling-rule n. at levelling n. Compounds)].
1712 J. James tr. A.-J. Dézallier d'Argenville Theory & Pract. Gardening 118 Taking the Profil of a Mountain, is, to level the Slope of it exactly.
1712 J. James tr. A.-J. Dézallier d'Argenville Theory & Pract. Gardening 189 You may level the Hill according to the following Practice.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Levelling We are now able to level Distances of one or two Miles, at one Operation.
6. to level off (or out):
a. to bring an aircraft into horizontal flight (intransitive and transitive); (of an aircraft) to assume horizontal flight, to flatten out.
ΚΠ
1928 Literary Digest 12 May 74/2 A ‘pancake landing’ occurs when the ship is leveled off several feet above the ground.
1928 New Republic 15 Aug. 331/2 In a straight dive down, coming out of a ‘stall’..which stopped only when I levelled off and began to fly straight.
1928 New Republic 15 Aug. 331/2 When it gets into the diving position, it responds to all the controls and can be gradually levelled out.
1937 D. Teilhet & H. Teilhet Feather Cloak Murders viii. 135 Climbing in the still blue atmosphere to five thousand feet, the ten-passenger Sikorsky amphibian levelled off above Honolulu.
1952 A. Y. Bramble Air-plane Flight xviii. 306 Some air-planes take a considerable time to reach cruising air speed, with cruising power setting, after levelling off.
1963 Times 19 Apr. 11/6 On the Trident and VC 10 it is proposed to use the equipment in stages, the first being autoflare, in which the aircraft is brought down to the height at which it levels off for landing, leaving the pilot to put the aircraft down.
b. figurative. To cease increasing or decreasing.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > be unchanging [verb (intransitive)] > cease to change
peak1940
plateau1951
to level off (or out)1958
1958 Listener 10 July 40/1 If the recent signs of improvement in American business are not followed up, if production levels off again and unemployment rises..then [etc.].
1968 Guardian 24 Apr. 11/5 The American war effort can begin to level off and eventually to be reduced.
1968 Times 16 Dec. 7/1 Yields have been tending to level off, or even to fall.
1972 Guardian 21 July 21/5 There are a few signs..that the property market is beginning to level off and prices are steadying somewhat.
II. Senses relating to aim or direction.
7. † b. To shoot (a missile) out (of a weapon). Obsolete.† e. Const. infinitive. To aim at doing something; to intend to. Obsolete.
a. To aim (a missile weapon); to ‘lay’ (a gun); also rarely, to bring (a spear) to the proper level for striking. Also to level one's aim. (Frequently in figurative contexts.) Const. at, against, †toward, †to, †unto.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > aim at > aim (a blow, weapon, etc.)
reachOE
seta1300
shapec1400
ettlec1450
charge1509
bend1530
level1530
aimc1565
butt1594
levy1618
to give level to1669
wise1721
intenda1734
train1795
sight1901
to zero in1944
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > discharge missile [verb (intransitive)] > aim > aim missile weapon
mintc1400
level1530
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > assail with missiles [verb (transitive)] > aim or direct (missile) > aim (missile weapon)
level1530
to give level to1669
the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > aim
cast1340
aimc1380
set14..
to lay, bend, take level1548
butt1553
vizyc1600
to level one's aim1667
to make aim1796
sight1842
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 609/2 He leavelleth his crosse bowe to shote at some dere.
1587 J. Hooker Chron. Ireland 131/1 in Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) II He charged his peece, and leueled the same vnto the said Peter Carew.
1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing iv. i. 239 If all ayme but this be leuelld false. View more context for this quotation
1663 Marquis of Worcester Cent. Names & Scantlings Inventions viii A way how to level and shoot Cannon by night as well as by day.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 712 Each at the Head Level'd his deadly aime. View more context for this quotation
1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth 45 They [sc. the Means] were both levelled wide, and fell all short of the Mark.
a1797 E. Burke Ess. Abridgm. Eng. Hist. (rev. ed.) in Wks. (1812) V. 696 The Papal thunders, from the wounds of which he was still sore, were levelled full at his head.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake ii. 87 Against his sovereign, Douglas ne'er Will level a rebellious spear.
1839 C. Darwin in R. Fitzroy & C. Darwin Narr. Surv. Voy. H.M.S. Adventure & Beagle III. xi. 239 In the very act of levelling his musket.
1879 J. Burroughs Locusts & Wild Honey 45 Leveling his bill as carefully as a marksman levels his rifle.
1883 R. W. Dixon Mano i. xv. 48 Forth from Ravenna's fort he levelled aim Against the popedom.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > assail with missiles [verb (transitive)] > discharge (missile)
sendc825
to let flyOE
slenga1300
castc1325
lancec1330
throwa1382
launch?a1400
whirlc1440
fling1487
dischargec1500
to let goc1500
streek1513
deliver1574
level1592
fire1887
1592 J. Stow Annales 235 [He] leuelled a quarrel out of a cros bowe.
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 250 A bullet levelled out of a great peece of Ordinance.
1664 Floddan Field viii. 72 Roaring Guns..levell'd out great leaden lumps.
c. To direct (one's looks); to dart (rays).
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)]
intend?1504
direct1526
pointc1531
level1594
present1769
wenda1839
1594 J. Dickenson Arisbas sig. B 4v To..leuell the eye..at a gainefull, though inglorious obiect.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 543 The setting Sun..Against the eastern Gate of Paradise Leveld his eevning Rayes. View more context for this quotation
1726 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey V. xxi. 459 The chord he drew, Thro' ev'ry ringlet levelling his view.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones III. ix. v. 350 The Fair One..hastily withdrew her Eyes, and levelled them downwards. View more context for this quotation
1818 Ld. Byron Beppo lxiv. 33 Others were levelling their looks at her.
d. figurative. To aim, direct, point.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > intend [verb (transitive)] > direct actions, speech, etc., towards
fasteneOE
turna1200
redressa1393
intend?1504
convert1533
level1576
terminate1599
style1608
colline1674
intent1695
beam1956
target1964
1576 A. Fleming tr. Hippocrates in Panoplie Epist. 273 All our actions are leveled..unto two ends.
1591 E. Spenser Prosopopoia in Complaints 772 All his minde on honour fixed is, To which he levels all his purposis.
1690 J. Locke Toleration ii, in Wks. (1727) II. 279 You proportion your Punishments..contrary to the Common Discretion,..which levels the Punishments against refractory Offenders.
1698 T. Hearne Ductor Historicus I. iii. xviii. 401 Pompey..made two Laws particularly levelled against him [sc. Cæsar].
1742 H. Fielding Joseph Andrews I. i. xvi. 119 This Fellow's Writings..are levelled at the Clergy. View more context for this quotation
1856 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (1858) II. ix. 325 Considerable sarcasm has been levelled at the assumption by Henry of this title.
1894 Solicitors' Jrnl. 39 2/2 It is not necessary for the official receiver to level an accusation of fraud against any individual.
ΚΠ
1708 J. Swift Sentiments Church of Eng.-man i, in Misc. (1711) 120 A few Men whose Designs..were levelled to destroy the Constitution both of Religion and Government.
1751 W. Beawes Lex Mercatoria Rediviva 257 My Endeavours have been levelled..to obtain this Satisfaction.
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas II. v. i. 256 This exclamation produced all the astonishment it was levelled to excite in the old citizen.
8. absol. or intransitive.† b. To guess at. Obsolete.
a. To aim with a weapon; † occasionally said of the weapon. Also frequently transferred and figurative as in 7 (with the same const.). Somewhat archaic.
ΚΠ
c1500 Three Kings' Sons (1895) 75 That..they shold leuelle & shote alle at ones.
1579 E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. Mar. 85 I leuelde againe, And shott at him with might and maine.
1579 S. Gosson Schoole of Abuse f. 42v A wanton eye is the darte of Cephalus, where it leueleth, thereit [sic] lighteth.
a1592 R. Greene Hist. Orlando Furioso (1594) sig. Biv I, so they gesse, but leuell farre awrie.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 iii. ii. 263 The fo-man may with as great aime leuel at the edge of a pen-knife. View more context for this quotation
1604 T. Wright Passions of Minde (new ed.) i. i. 1 There can be no man, who works by right reason but..he aymeth at some end, he levels at some good.
1626 T. Hawkins tr. N. Caussin Holy Court I. 6 Euery Christian is obliged to leuell at perfection.
1664 S. Butler Hudibras: Second Pt. ii. iii. 163 He to his Engine flew..And rais'd it, till it level'd right.
1699 J. Pomfret Poems (1724) 31 He levels blindly, yet the mark does hit.
1699 W. Dampier Voy. & Descr. i. iv. 72 When they shoot at a mark, they level, and fire at first sight.
1713 A. Pope Windsor-Forest 6 He lifts the Tube, and levels with his Eye.
1728 T. Sheridan tr. Persius Satyrs (1739) iv. 54 The Author in this Satyr levels at Nero.
1879 R. Browning Martin Relph 103 They level: a volley, a smoke and the clearing of smoke.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > conjecture, guessing > form conjectures, guess [verb (intransitive)]
divine1362
supposea1393
conjecta1425
guessc1535
rove1551
level1580
conjecture1587
to harp at1611
to venture at1623
to make a shot1840
reach1952
1580 J. Lyly Euphues & his Eng. (new ed.) f. 2 If thou couldest aswell conceiue the care of a father, as I canne leuell at the nature of a childe.
1580 J. Lyly Euphues & his Eng. (new ed.) f. 34 Since your eyes are..so cunning that you can leuel at the dispositions of women whom you neuer knew.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice i. ii. 37 As thou namest them [sc. my suitors], I will describe them, and according to my description leuell at my affection. View more context for this quotation
9. To be honest or truthful; to tell the truth, speak frankly, behave honestly or deal straightforwardly (with). slang (originally U.S.).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > truthfulness, veracity > speak truly [verb (intransitive)]
say-wellc1390
truth1604
now you're shouting1876
to come (also get) down to tin tacks1921
level1921
1921 H. C. Witwer Leather Pushers vii. 174 ‘Are you levelin' with the Kid in this one?’ ‘We level in all of 'em!’
1931 Amer. Mercury Dec. 416/2 Hymie, the mug, falls in love with her right off, Don't laugh, I'm levellin', honest to God.
1936 R. Chandler in Black Mask Mar. 28/1 ‘I was on the cops, but they bounced me.’ I liked his telling me that. ‘You must have been levelling,’ I said.
1951 I. Shaw Troubled Air vii. 107 You're not levelling with me.
1962 ‘K. Orvis’ Damned & Destroyed ix. 64 But see that you level with me about the new pusher.
1966 ‘E. McGirr’ Funeral was in Spain 100 ‘Think Songbird was levelling?’ ‘Oh yes... Mr. Songbird wouldn't mislead you.’
1972 ‘R. Crawford’ Whip Hand i. viii. 49 I'll level with you. I've been paid to find your brother.
1973 Tucson (Arizona) Daily Citizen 22 Aug. 55/8 Not often enough will a company truly level with its employes. It won't say, ‘These are hard times and here's why.’
1974 L. Deighton Spy Story iv. 97 I'd better level with you, son... From now on, control is through me.
Draft additions July 2002
transitive. colloquial (originally U.S.). to level the playing field: to make matters fairer, esp. to create a situation in which all those involved have a fair and equal chance; to act in the interests of parity or impartiality. Cf. level playing field n. at level adj. and adv. Additions.Sometimes also with modifying word before playing field, specifying a particular sphere of activity.
ΚΠ
1979 Amer. Banker 26 Oct. 2 The Washington Bankers Association failed in its attempts to get passage of a Financial Institution Fairness Act, which would have ‘leveled the playing field for all financial institutions’.
1992 Tucson (Arizona) Weekly 28 Oct. 12/3 Sometimes the lack of term limits means it's hard to oust bad or mediocre lawmakers, but leveling the electoral playing field would be better accomplished by enacting meaningful campaign spending limits.
2000 M. Ondaatje Anil's Ghost 25 She was sure that this choice of subject was intentional—to level the playing field between the foreign-trained and the locally trained.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1902; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
levelv.2
/ˈlɛvl/, U.S. /ˈlɛv(ə)l/ Obsolete exc. dialect.
= levy v.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > impost, due, or tax > [verb (transitive)] > levy (an impost, tax, or due)
levy1388
level1552
1552 T. Barnabe Let. 1 Oct. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. II. 202 The chefe of the Frenche kinges revenewe is levelled uppon salte.
a1825 R. Forby Vocab. E. Anglia (1830) Level, to assess. Ex. ‘I will pay whatever you level upon me’.
1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. (at cited word) Mr. Jones to shop 've a level'd a distress 'pon 'em vor the quarter's rent.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1902; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1340
adj.adv.1538
v.1c1450
v.21552