Level
/ˈlɛv.əl/noun
A flat or even surface, or a relative position in a scale or hierarchy.
Did you know?“Level” ultimately comes from Latin *libella*, a little balance or plumb line, so the word began as a tool for measuring perfect alignment before it became an idea of equality.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leikʷ-
“to be left over, remain; to be even or smooth (reconstructed root behind Latin *libra* and related forms)”
Latin
Latin
libella
“a small balance, plumb line, or leveling instrument”
Late Latin
Latin
libellāre
“to make level or even”
Old French
Old French
nivel
“a level, plumb line; even, horizontal”
Middle English
English
level
“flat, even; a horizontal surface”
Modern English
English
level
“flat, even, or at the same height; also, a rank or stage in a scale”
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