Leveled with is a phrase that means to be honest with someone. Spelling of the word leveled is important because it has two l's and one e. It is pronounced /ˈlɛvəld/ with the stress on the first syllable. The "e" in the middle is not pronounced, and the two "l's" create a "long" sound. The word "with" is spelled phonetically as /wɪð/ with a "w" sound followed by an "i" sound and then a "th" sound. Combining the two words creates the phrase leveled with, which is pronounced /ˈlɛvəld wɪð/.
The expression "leveled with" is an idiomatic phrase that conveys the act of being honest, forthright, and sincere while delivering information or revealing a truth to someone. It implies a direct and truthful communication without any hidden agenda or deception. This phrase is often used to describe a situation where one person is candidly and openly discussing a sensitive or difficult subject with another person.
When someone "levels with" another individual, it implies a sense of trust and respect in the relationship, as they feel comfortable enough to disclose the truth. It involves being straightforward and not sugarcoating or obscuring any details. It signifies a genuine desire for the other person to fully understand the reality of the situation, without any misconceptions or misunderstandings.
In essence, "leveled with" can be seen as a form of sincere dialogue where the speaker actively ensures that the listener is fully aware of the truth, whether it is positive or negative. It emphasizes transparency, openness, and honesty in a conversation. This phrase acknowledges the importance of direct and clear communication in fostering trust, building stronger relationships, and preventing misunderstandings.
The phrase "leveled with" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words and their individual etymologies. To understand the phrase, we can break it down:
1. Level: The noun "level" traces its origins back to Middle English "level(e)" and Old French "livel". Both of these words ultimately derive from the Latin term "libella", meaning a "balance" or a "level". Over time, the word "level" came to represent a tool used to determine if a surface is perfectly horizontal or flat. As a verb, "level" means to make something flat or even.
2. With: The word "with" has Old English origins and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic language family. It is related to German "mit" and Dutch "met".