Levy
LEV-ee
/ˈlɛvi/
(verb) Impose (a tax, fee, or fine). (noun) An act of levying a tax, fee, or fine.
To 'levy' implies a formal, authoritative imposition, usually by a government or official body. It's not just collecting, but actively imposing the charge.
The story behind the word. The word 'levy' comes from the Old French verb 'lever,' meaning 'to raise.' Think of it as 'raising' funds or 'raising' a tax. This root also gives us words like 'leverage' and 'elevate.' So, when a government 'levies' a tax, it's literally 'raising' that financial obligation upon its citizens.
Word relationships
- Impose: General term for forcing something upon someone, often used interchangeably with 'levy' for taxes.
- Exact: To demand and obtain something, especially a payment, often with a sense of strictness or force.
- Collect: To gather or receive money, but 'levy' specifically refers to the act of imposing the charge, not just gathering it.
- Waive: To refrain from insisting on or using a right or claim, such as a fee or penalty.
- Exempt: To free from an obligation or liability to which others are subject.
Commonly confused with
- Charge: A 'charge' can be a price for a service or goods, or a fee. 'Levy' specifically implies an official, often governmental, imposition.
Word family
- levies (noun): Plural form; multiple taxes or fees imposed.
Collocations
- levy a tax
- levy a fine
- levy a charge
- levy duties
- levy tariffs
Example sentences
- "The city council decided to levy a new charge on plastic bags to discourage their use." Government action on taxation.
- "King John's attempts to levy heavy taxes on his barons led to widespread discontent and eventually Magna Carta." Historical context of taxation.
Memory hook
To LEVY a tax is to 'LEVel' up the government's funds by imposing a charge. LEVY = LEVel up
When not to use
Do not use 'levy' to describe informal charges or requests for money. It carries a strong connotation of official authority and compulsion.
Fun facts
- The word 'levee' (an embankment to prevent flooding) also shares the same root 'lever,' as it 'raises' the ground level.
Explore more words
mandate, commission, Binding, commandeer, requisition, authorize
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