B2 noun Neutral #36 most common

layer

/ˈleɪ.ər/

A layer is a single thickness, sheet, or level of a material that covers a surface or is placed between other things. It can refer to physical substances like paint and geological strata, or abstract levels of complexity and meaning.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I usually wear several layers of clothing in the winter to stay warm.

I wear many pieces of clothes on top of each other during winter for warmth.

2

The investigation revealed a complex layer of bureaucracy within the organization.

The study showed many complicated levels of administrative rules in the company.

3

Just add a thick layer of frosting to the cake once it cools down.

Put a lot of icing on top of the cake when it is not hot anymore.

Word Family

Noun
layer
Verb
layer
Adjective
layered
Related
layering
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'Layer Cake'—it has several horizontal parts of cake and cream stacked on top of each other.

Quick Quiz

The archaeologist carefully removed the top ____ of soil to find the ancient artifacts.

Correct!

The correct answer is: layer

Examples

1

I usually wear several layers of clothing in the winter to stay warm.

everyday

I wear many pieces of clothes on top of each other during winter for warmth.

2

The investigation revealed a complex layer of bureaucracy within the organization.

formal

The study showed many complicated levels of administrative rules in the company.

3

Just add a thick layer of frosting to the cake once it cools down.

informal

Put a lot of icing on top of the cake when it is not hot anymore.

4

Sedimentary rocks are formed by the gradual accumulation of layers of mineral particles.

academic

Rocks are made when levels of minerals build up slowly over time.

5

We need to remove a layer of middle management to improve communication flow.

business

We should eliminate one level of managers to help people talk to each other better.

Word Family

Noun
layer
Verb
layer
Adjective
layered
Related
layering

Common Collocations

outer layer the external surface or level
protective layer a level that provides safety or defense
ozone layer the part of the atmosphere that protects Earth
thin layer a small amount of material spread over an area
multiple layers many different levels or sheets

Common Phrases

layer upon layer

many levels stacked on each other

peel back the layers

to investigate something deeply to find the hidden truth

the next layer

the following level of detail or substance

Often Confused With

layer vs liar

A 'layer' is a level of material, whereas a 'liar' is a person who tells falsehoods.

layer vs tier

While similar, 'tier' usually refers to levels in a hierarchy or rows of seats, whereas 'layer' usually refers to physical thickness.

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Usage Notes

Use 'layer' when describing things that are stacked or spread out over one another. It is very common in cooking, geology, and clothing contexts.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'level' when 'layer' is more appropriate for physical materials (e.g., 'a level of dust' should be 'a layer of dust').

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Layer Cake'—it has several horizontal parts of cake and cream stacked on top of each other.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from Middle English 'leier', originally referring to a person who lays stones or bricks in a specific order.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Regular plural: layers Can function as a transitive verb (e.g., 'to layer something')
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Cultural Context

In culinary traditions, layering is a key concept for dishes like lasagna, tiramisu, and trifle.

Quick Quiz

The archaeologist carefully removed the top ____ of soil to find the ancient artifacts.

Correct!

The correct answer is: layer

Related Words

univolvacy

C1

The characteristic or state of an organism, particularly an insect, having only one generation or brood per year. It describes a life cycle that is completed once within a twelve-month period, often dictated by seasonal changes.

postrogible

C1

A postrogible is a formal administrative item, decision, or legal clause that is officially designated as subject to subsequent questioning or secondary verification. It acts as a placeholder in a process, allowing a project to move forward while acknowledging that a specific element requires future scrutiny.

overferfy

C1

To excessively complicate, refine, or add unnecessary details to a task, object, or process, ultimately diminishing its original effectiveness or clarity. It describes the act of over-engineering something to the point of absurdity or inefficiency.

trisalvhood

C1

Describing a state or system that possesses a triple-layered security or salvage protocol to prevent total loss. It characterizes an object, process, or entity that is thrice-protected against failure, ensuring maximum durability and resilience.

exmovize

C1

A formal noun referring to the outward manifestation or physical externalization of internal energy, emotion, or kinetic impulses. It is specifically used to describe the transition from a latent state to a visible, active movement.

circumpetious

C1

To seek a goal or target by taking an indirect, circular, or roundabout path rather than a direct one. It implies a strategic or cautious approach to reaching an objective by navigating around obstacles or avoiding direct confrontation.

undertactant

C1

A term used in behavioral psychology and verbal behavior analysis to describe an individual who exhibits a deficit in 'tacting,' which is the ability to label or name stimuli in the environment. It refers to a speaker who provides significantly fewer verbal descriptions of non-verbal stimuli than expected for their developmental level.

hypercryptity

C1

To encrypt or obscure information to an extreme, multi-layered degree, often exceeding standard security requirements. This verb describes the act of applying redundant cryptographic protections to ensure that data remains inaccessible even under intense scrutiny.

homosolship

C1

A state or quality of being united by a single, shared purpose or essence within a group, particularly where individual differences are subsumed by a collective identity. It characterizes the bond formed through consistent, singular dedication to a common goal or philosophy.

subsumful

C1

To completely integrate or incorporate a specific element, concept, or entity into a larger, more comprehensive framework or system. It describes the process of making something a full part of a bigger whole so that it becomes indistinguishable from the main structure.

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