Level off
/ˈlɛv.əl ɒf/
Definition
The meaning: Level off means to stabilize or reach a steady state after a period of increase or decrease, often used in contexts such as growth, speed, or intensity.
La signification: Cette expression signifie stabiliser ou atteindre un état constant après une période d'augmentation ou de diminution, souvent utilisée dans des contextes tels que la croissance, la vitesse ou l'intensité.
Note: This term is commonly used in both everyday language and technical contexts, such as economics or aviation.
Word Analysis
French synonyms
» Stabiliser
» Atteindre un plateau
» Se stabiliser
A: Les coûts ont augmenté, mais ils commencent à se stabiliser.
B: Oui, cela semble être une bonne nouvelle.
English synonyms
» Become stable
» Stabilise
» Plateau
» Steady out
A: The temperature is rising, but it should level off soon.
B: That's great, we need it to stop fluctuating!
Example Dialogue
Thabo: "The sales growth has been steady, but it seems to be slowing down now."
Lerato: "Yes, it looks like the numbers are starting to level off."
Thabo: "Do you think it’s because of market saturation?"
Lerato: "Possibly. We might need to explore new strategies to push growth again."
Etymology
Origin: The phrase "level off" originates from the idea of something reaching a flat or stable state after a period of change. It is often used in contexts like economics, aviation, and general trends to describe stabilization after growth or decline.
Audience
The phrase "level off" is commonly used in both professional and casual contexts to describe a situation where something stabilizes after a period of increase or decrease. It is particularly relevant in fields like economics, business, and science, where trends and data are analyzed.
When to use: Use this phrase when describing a situation where growth, decline, or change slows down and reaches a stable point. For example: "After months of rapid growth, the company's revenue began to level off." It is suitable for discussions about trends, data analysis, or any scenario involving stabilization.
Dictionary Meaning
Cambridge says the following: "If a rate or amount levels off, it stops rising or falling and stays at the same level." Here's an example of use:
"Unemployment rose to ten percent and then levelled off."
News Snippet
"Although the WWF does not remark on these, a few of the charts show a marked s-curve, that is, the rate of growth has slowed down, levelled off, or even become negative." Read the full article at The Daily Maverick
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Common Idioms & Expressions
Level Off: To stabilize or reach a steady state after a period of increase or decrease, often used in contexts such as growth or intensity.
Example: "After several months of rapid growth, the sales figures began to level off."
Plateau: To reach a state of little or no change after a period of activity or progress.
Example: "Her weight loss journey hit a plateau, and she needed to change her routine."
Remain Stable: To maintain a consistent level without significant fluctuations.
Example: "Despite the economic changes, the job market managed to remain stable."
Hold Steady: To maintain a particular position or level without change.
Example: "The stock prices held steady despite market volatility."
Stabilize: To make or become steady or stable after fluctuations.
Example: "The government implemented measures to stabilize the economy."
Flatten Out: To become level or even after a period of increase or decrease.
Example: "The curve of new cases began to flatten out after the intervention."
Reach Equilibrium: To arrive at a state where opposing forces or influences are balanced.
Example: "After several adjustments, the system finally reached equilibrium."
Even Out: To become more consistent or balanced after fluctuations.
Example: "The differences in performance started to even out over time."
Bottom Out: To reach the lowest point before stabilizing or recovering.
Example: "After months of decline, the housing market finally bottomed out."
Normalize: To return to a standard or expected state after a period of change.
Example: "Interest rates are expected to normalize after the inflation surge."
Hit a Ceiling: To reach a maximum level beyond which growth or progress is limited.
Example: "Productivity seemed to hit a ceiling after the team reached capacity."
Peak and Trough: To fluctuate between high and low points before stabilizing.
Example: "The demand for seasonal goods tends to peak and trough throughout the year."
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