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levy

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈlɛvi/

KK: /ˈlɛvi/

intransitive verb
Definition

To impose or collect a tax, fee, or fine, often by authority or law.


Example

The government decided to levy a new tax on luxury goods.


Tense Forms

Past: levied

Past Participle: levied


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the court case last week?
Sloth B
Yeah, they decided to levy some fines on the company.
Sloth A
I wonder how much they will actually levy in total.
Sloth B
It could be significant, especially if they keep breaking the law.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
seize
appropriate
expropriate
Antonyms
release
return
restore
noun
Definition

A charge or tax that is imposed or collected by an authority, often for public purposes.


Example

The government announced a new levy on sugary drinks to promote healthier choices.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the new levy on property taxes in our area?
Sloth B
Yeah, I read about it; it's pretty surprising.
Sloth A
I wonder how much it will actually affect our monthly payments.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To impose or collect something, such as a tax or a fine, usually by authority.


Example

The government decided to levy a new tax on luxury goods.


Tense Forms

Past: levied

Past Participle: levied


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear that the government plans to levy new taxes next year?
Sloth B
Yeah, I read about that; it's going to impact a lot of people.
Sloth A
I wonder how they decide which taxes to levy on us.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Levy → It originates from Old French 'lever' (meaning to raise or lift) and is related to the Latin 'levare' (meaning to raise). The word 'levy' refers to the act of raising or imposing a tax or a force.

Memory Tip

Think of 'raising' ('lever') something, like a tax or a military force, to remember that 'levy' means to impose or collect.

Visually Confused Words
leavy
ley
lev
relevy
levity
lenvoy
Is this page helpful?
I guess we'll find out when the bills come in next month.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
tax
charge
assessment
Antonyms
refund
exemption
relief
It's usually based on what they think will bring in the most revenue.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
impose
collect
enforce
Antonyms
waive
forgive
release