How to pronounce level
Say it like LEV-ul. Level has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LEV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce level. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LEV
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Level pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LEVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of level
American and British speakers say level in essentially the same way: /ˈlɛvəl/ in the US and /ˈlɛvəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: LEV-ul.
What does level mean?
- a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality“a moderate grade of intelligence”“a high level of care is required”
- a relative position or degree of value in a graded group“lumber of the highest grade”
- a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series or especially in a process“a remarkable degree of frankness”“at what stage are the social sciences?”
- having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another“a flat desk”“acres of level farmland”
- not showing abrupt variations“spoke in a level voice”“she gave him a level look”
- being on a precise horizontal plane“a billiard table must be level”
- aim at“level criticism or charges at somebody”
- tear down so as to make flat with the ground“The building was levelled”
- make level or straight“level the ground”
Where does level come from?
The verb is from Middle English levelen, from the noun.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with level
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of level.
Questions about saying level
How do you pronounce level?
Say LEV-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɛvəl/. In British English it is /ˈlɛvəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in level?
Level has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LEV). Broken into parts: LEV · ul.
Do Americans and Brits say level the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈlɛvəl/ and the British form is /ˈlɛvəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.