Levelize

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To make a surface flat or even ; to reduce disparities so that things or people are on the same footing
2. To smooth out an uneven surface ; to bring differences in rank or wealth closer to a single standard
3. To flatten something so it lies even ; to narrow gaps between groups so that they share equal conditions

Etymology: "Levelize" is simply "level" with the suffix "-ize" attached, a plain formation from an existing English word rather than a borrowing. "Level" itself goes back to Latin "libella," a diminutive of "libra" (balance, scale), referring to the small tool used to test whether a surface is horizontal. The suffix "-ize," from Greek "-izein" through Latin "-izare," turns a noun or adjective into a verb meaning to make or treat in a certain way, so "levelize" means to make something level, or to bring things onto a common standard.

Synonyms: level, equalize, flatten, even out