Levy
/ˈlɛvi/
nounverbB2
Definition
Levy is when a government or authority officially asks for money from people or businesses, often as a tax or fine. It can also mean the process of collecting this money. This money helps pay for public services or government needs.
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See It in Action
An official tax, fee, or charge collected by a government or authority
- •The government imposed a new levy on imported goods.
- •The levy on cigarettes is higher to reduce smoking.
- •Farmers must pay a levy for water usage.
To officially demand or collect money by law or authority
- •The city levies taxes to pay for public schools.
- •The government levied a fine on companies that pollute.
- •Authorities can levy charges on property owners for repairs.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "levy" like "tax" (A1 word), but more formal and official—it's the act of asking or collecting money by law
- ✓Picture a government office sending a letter that says you must pay a certain amount of money to help the country
- ✓It's the feeling when you must pay something required by law, like a fee for a service or a fine for breaking a rule
- ✓Sounds like "LEV-ee" → imagine a "levy" lifting money up from people to the government, like a small lift or raise
- ✓In stories, kings or rulers often "levy" taxes to pay for armies or building castles—official money collection
- ✓NOT like "donation" (money given freely), "levy" is forced by law or rule
- ✓NOT like "fine" alone (a penalty), "levy" can be any official charge including taxes or fees
- ✓As a verb, "levy" means the action of starting or making this collection happen, not just the money itself
Try Other Words
- •Tax: money paid to the government (Use when talking about the money itself or general payments)
- •Charge: a fee for a service or rule (Use when the payment is for specific services or penalties)
- •Impose: to officially force something (Use when focusing on the act of putting a rule or fee in place)
- •Collect: to gather money or items (Use when focusing on the action of getting the money)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix, root word "levy")
- •Etymology: From Old French "levée," meaning "a raising or lifting," from verb "lever" (to raise)
- •Historical development: Originally meant to raise troops or money, especially by a ruler or government
- •Modern usage: Now mostly used for official money collection like taxes, fees, or fines by governments or authorities
Reflect & Connect
•How do governments decide when and how much to levy on people or businesses?
•Can a levy be fair or unfair? What makes a tax or fee feel right or wrong to you?
Fill in the blanks
1.The government decided to levy a new ___ on gasoline to help fund road repairs.
2.When a city levies a tax, it means the government ___ money from its citizens by law.
3.Unlike a donation, a levy is ___, meaning people must pay it whether they want to or not.
4.The company was ordered to pay a levy because it ___ pollution in the river.
5.To reduce smoking, some countries levy a ___ tax on cigarettes.
6.When authorities levy a fine, they usually expect it to be paid ___ a certain time.
7.If a government levies a fee, it often uses the money to ___ public services like schools or hospitals.