to level the ground
- phrasal verb
- /ˈlɛvəl ðə ɡraʊnd/
:
nivelar el terreno
- It is important to level the ground to ensure proper drainage in the backyard.
Examples
-
We had to level the ground and carefully edge it.
Blog text (22) -
The workers needed to level the ground before they could start laying the foundation for the new building.
-
In preparation for the garden, we will level the ground and remove any large rocks.
Synonyms
81
3.7
To make land or a building flat with the ground
23
2.6
Make something flat and smooth by pressing it
22
2.5
To make something level or smooth
5
3.4
To become flat and smooth after being uneven
3
5.3
To make the edges of a pile of papers level and straight
1
3.8
To make something less rough by pressing it flat or by calming people
To level a floor or concrete with a long straight tool so it is flat
Make a surface flat using a heavy roller machine
How Flat
- Specialized
1
4.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'to make the surface of the ground flat' is directly and transparently derived from combining the verb 'level' (to make flat) with 'ground' (the earth's surface); the article 'the' is only grammatical framing. This is a straightforward verb + object composition common across languages and standard English, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words will readily understand it.
Etymology
Level the ground comes from the simple picture of workers using shovels or machines to make the ground flat or level before building or laying a path. So it means 'to make the surface of the ground flat or even' as preparation for work.