Making something flat and even, or making things equal or fair for everyone.
From Middle English 'level,' derived from Old French 'livel,' from Latin 'libella' meaning 'balance' or 'level.' The term historically referred to making physical surfaces even and evolved to describe social equality.
The word 'level' is connected to 'libra' (the balance/scale symbol)—both come from Latin words about balance and fairness, which is why we talk about 'leveling the playing field' in sports and life.
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