lever
noun · verb
Simple meaning
A rigid piece which is capable of turning about one point.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
levurSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
ˈlɛvɚ
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
mechanics
A rigid piece which is capable of turning about one point, or axis (fulcrum), and in which are two or more other points where forces are applied; — used for transmitting and modifying force and motion.
A rigid bar pivoted about a fulcrum
Specifically, a bar of metal, wood or other rigid substance, used to exert a pressure, or sustain a weight, at one point of its length, by receiving a force or power at a second, and turning at a third on a fixed point called a fulcrum. It is usually named as the first of the six mechanical powers, and is of three kinds, according as either the fulcrum F, the weight W, or the power P, respectively, is situated between the other two, as in the figures.
A small such piece to trigger or control a mechanical device (like a switch or a button).
verb
To move or force, especially in an effort to get something open
figurativelytransitive
To use, operate or move (something) like a lever (physically).
figurativelytransitive
To use (something) like a lever (in an abstract sense).
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: (mechanics) A rigid piece which is capable of turning about one point, or axis (fulcrum), and in which are two or more other points where forces are applied; — used for transmitting and modifying force and motion.
Used this way, lever is a reasonably familiar word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. It usually sounds natural in a wide range of settings.
- Emotional tone
- Neutral
- Formality
- Neutral
- Intensity
- Not strongly marked
- How common
- Moderately common
- Connotation
- Matter-of-fact
- Usage feel
- Neutral and straightforward
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
More ways to use lever
- “Pull the lever to open the heavy gate.”
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More about this wordSynonyms, forms, origin
Synonyms
Sense: to move or force
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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.