What is level? Pronunciation and usage in English

level means . Learn how to pronounce and use level through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of level

levelnoun/verb

/ˈlɛvl/
Definition & pronunciation of level

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "level" in English. There are actually two common pronunciations, and it depends on what you're referring to!

1. "Level" as in "even" (noun - a flat surface):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈlevəl/ (stress is on the first syllable)
  • Sounds: “leh-vuhl”
  • Breakdown:
    • “leh”: Like the beginning of "let"
    • “vuhl”: Rhymes with “fuel” or “tool”

2. "Level" as in "to bring to an even position" (verb):

  • Pronunciation: /lɛvəl/ (stress is on the first syllable)
  • Sounds: “leh-vuhl”
  • Breakdown: The same as above! It’s the same sound.

Here's a helpful tip: Think of the word "devil" - it shares the same vowel sound.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to pronounce "level"? (e.g., "The floor was level," or "I need to level the table?")

Usage and examples with the word level in English

Let's break down how to use the word "level" in English. It's a remarkably versatile word with many different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. As in a Scale/Measurement (Most Common)

  • Definition: A point on a scale, often referring to ability, progress, or difficulty.
  • Examples:
    • "He's a beginner in Spanish. He's still on level one." (beginner's stage)
    • "The test was difficult – most students struggled to pass the level." (difficulty level)
    • "Her French is at an advanced level." (skill level)
    • "The water level in the pool is rising." (height measurement)
    • “The level of traffic this morning is terrible.” (amount/volume)

2. Flatness/Horizon (Physical)

  • Definition: A flat surface; the horizon.
  • Examples:
    • "The road was perfectly level." (flat)
    • "We stood on a level ground overlooking the valley." (flat surface)
    • "The horizon was level with the distant mountains." (the line where the sky and earth seem to meet)

3. Game/Video Game Context (Gaming)

  • Definition: A stage of progress in a game.
  • Examples:
    • "I just reached level 10 in the game!" (progress)
    • “He’s playing on level three.” (stage or difficulty)
    • “He needs to beat the boss to move to the next level.” (required progression)

4. Equal/Fair (Abstract - Justice, Society)

  • Definition: Equal; fair; balanced. Often used to describe a state of things.
  • Examples:
    • "There needs to be level playing field for everyone." (equal opportunity)
    • "The judge ensured a level hearing." (a fair trial)
    • “The company strives to maintain a level of diversity." (equal representation)

5. As an Adjective – Even/Steady

  • Definition: Steady; even; consistent. (Less common, but important)
  • Examples:
    • “He maintained a level tone throughout the presentation.” (even tone)
    • “She has a level head under pressure.” (calm and rational)

6. As a Verb (Less Common)

  • Definition: To make something even or flat.
  • Examples:
    • "The surveyor levelled the ground before building the house." (made flat)

Here's a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Part of Speech Example
Progress/Ability Noun "He's on a higher level."
Physical Flatness Noun "The desk is level."
Gaming Progression Noun “I’m stuck on level five.”
Equality/Fairness Noun “A level playing field.”
Even/Steady Adjective “Maintain a level gaze.”
To Make Flat Verb “He levelled the ground.”

Tips for Choosing the Right "Level":

  • Context is key! The surrounding words and the situation will usually make the meaning clear.
  • Consider the subject: Is it about a skill, a measurement, a game, or a general idea of fairness?

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of sentence are you trying to write that includes "level"?
  • Is there a specific context you're thinking of (e.g., school, games, everyday conversation)?

Synonyms for the word level

Idioms of the word level

on the level
(informal)honest; legal
  • I'm not convinced he's on the level.
  • Are you sure this deal is on the level?
on a level/par with somebody/something
as good, bad, important, etc. as somebody/something else
  • This place is on a level with the best French restaurants.
on a par/level with somebody/something
as good, bad, important, etc. as somebody/something else
  • This place is on a par with the best French restaurants.
take something to the next level
to further improve or develop something that is already successful
  • He decided to move to New York to take his career to the next level.
  • We are taking web design to the next level.

Practice with vocabulary level

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project's complexity increased significantly at the expert ____ of development.
  2. To ensure fairness, the new policy aims to ____ the playing field for all applicants.
  3. Candidates must possess an advanced ____ of proficiency in a second language.
  4. The architects carefully ensured the foundation was perfectly ____ before construction began.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The company aims to raise the overall skill _____ of its employees through continuous training. A) level B) standard C) grade D) class

  2. To ensure the shelf was perfectly horizontal, the carpenter used a tool to ____ it. A) align B) straighten C) level D) balance

  3. The project manager needs to assess the current ____ of risk associated with the new software deployment. A) extent B) level C) degree D) amount

  4. Employees are encouraged to participate in continuous professional development to enhance their professional ____. A) standing B) position C) grade D) status

  5. The company's expansion plan involves several distinct ____ of implementation. A) phases B) stages C) steps D) rounds

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: His mastery of financial modeling was insufficient for the senior analyst role. Rewrite using "level" or related word forms:

  2. Original: We need to create fair opportunities for everyone participating in the competition. Rewrite using "level" or related word forms:

  3. Original: The new manager quickly climbed the hierarchy of the organization. Rewrite without using "level":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. level
  2. level
  3. degree
  4. flat

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) level, B) standard
  2. A) align, C) level
  3. A) extent, B) level, C) degree, D) amount
  4. A) standing, B) position, D) status
  5. A) phases, B) stages

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. His financial modeling skills were not at the required level for the senior analyst role.
  2. We need to level the playing field to create fair opportunities for everyone participating in the competition.
  3. The new manager quickly achieved a higher position within the organization.

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