Level definitions and example sentences on Wordnik

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Definitions (116)

American Heritage Dictionary (35)

noun Relative position or rank on a scale: the local level of government; studying at the graduate level.
noun A relative degree, as of achievement, intensity, or concentration: an unsafe level of toxicity; a high level of frustration.
noun A natural or proper position, place, or stage: I finally found my own level in the business world.

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Century Dictionary (58)

An instrument for determining the plane of the horizon, or the plane perpendicular to the direction in which bodies fall under the action of gravity. The simplest instrument used for this purpose is the plumbline. This is now superseded for most purposes by the bubble- or spirit-level, which consists of a frame of some kind firmly holding a glass tube, closed at the ends, nearly filled with anhydrous ether, or a mixture of ether and alcohol, and having its inner surface on the upper part ground into the form of the outer part of an anchor-ring. Fine levels have besides a graduated scale either on the glass or on a metallic rule set against it, so as to mark the precise position of the bubble. Most fine levels are provided with a chamber so contrived that the length of the bubble can be altered. The spirit-level is usually reversed in use, and the mean of its two indications adopted. The spirit-level is an attachment of most geodetical instruments; and there is a special instrument called a level or leveling-instrument (which see). Of alle kyne craftes ich contreeuede here tooles … And cast out by squire both lyne and leuell. Piers Plowman (C), xii. 127. In her lap she held a perpendicular or level, as the ensign of evenness and rest. B. Jonson, King James's Coronation Entertainment.
An imaginary surface everywhere perpendicular to the plumb-line, or line of gravity, so that it might be the free surface of a liquid at rest. Every such surface is approximately that of an oblate spheroid, as the sea-level, for example, is; but for most of the purposes of ordinary life it is convenient, and occasions no sensible error, to confound this surface with its tangent plane at the point referred to—the plane of its horizon. The vertical distance from any given lower level (in the stricter sense of the word), A, to a given higher level, B, will vary with the latitude; but the work required to raise a given weight from A to B is everywhere the same. The level or horizontal surface is ordinarily spoken of as belonging to anything lying or moving upon it, or to a liquid whose free surface in equilibrium will coincide with a portion of it, and frequently indicates. in addition, some reference to some other object having the same or a different vertical elevation. Thus, we speak of the level of a station (often with reference to some standard of elevation), or of the level of the sea; a liquid is spoken of as finding its level; A is said to be on a level with B, or A and B are on a level or on the same level. Each place is alternately elevated and depressed; but the ocean preserves its level. J. S. Mill, Pol. Econ., Ill. iii. § 1. The highest flood-mark was on a level with the terrace round the house. Mrs. Oliphant, Poor Gentleman, xiv.
Hence Figuratively, degree of elevation as regards standing, condition, or action; a height reached or aimed at, from a social, intellectual, or moral point of view. The idea of comparison, relativity, or parallelism is prominent in this as in the literal signification of the word; and a natural or normal level is often spoken of, after the analogy of a free liquid surface. It was no little satisfaction to me to view the mixed mass of all ages and dignities upon a level, partaking of the same benefits of nature. Steele, Guardian, No. 174. Foppish airs And histrionic mumm'ry, that let down The pulpit to the level of the stage. Couper, Task, ii. 564. When merit shall find its level. F. W. Robertson. A common level of interests and social standing fostered unconventional ways of thought and speech, and friendly human sympathies. Lowell, Among my Books, 2d ser., p. 205.

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What you also get at this level is a lot of retailers who are there more for the swag than anything else. — Comic Book Resources
The controls for editing a level are a bit clumsy, requiring you to tilt the remote to move between the vertical and horizontal axes, but if you're willing to invest the time, you can come away with some dangerous-looking mazes. — GameSpot's News, Screenshots, Movies, Reviews, Previews, Downloads, and Features
Strategy: Getting gold on this level is all about how long you can keep 9 goats alive with quick clicking. — Gamezebo: Casual Game Reviews, Previews, Cheats, Tips, Forums, Free Games, and More
Since this level has been the ceiling for the index over the last five months, we would like to see a close at least 2 per cent above 3240 before we can start celebrating.
This level could be a strong resistance and therefore a rebound is also possible from here. — FXstreet.com

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