levy
To officially impose or collect a tax, fee, fine, or other legal payment. It usually involves an authority, such as a government or organization, demanding a specific sum of money for a particular purpose.
Examples
3 of 5The city decided to levy a small fee for using the public swimming pool during the weekends.
The city decided to levy a small fee for using the public swimming pool during the weekends.
The governing body has the authority to levy fines against members who violate the established code of conduct.
The governing body has the authority to levy fines against members who violate the established code of conduct.
The sports club is going to levy a ten-dollar charge on everyone to help pay for the end-of-year party.
The sports club is going to levy a ten-dollar charge on everyone to help pay for the end-of-year party.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'L' in Levy as 'Lifting' money out of someone's pocket for the government. It also shares an origin with 'lever' (to raise).
Quick Quiz
The local council voted to ___ a new tax on plastic packaging to encourage recycling.
Correct!
The correct answer is: levy
Examples
The city decided to levy a small fee for using the public swimming pool during the weekends.
everydayThe city decided to levy a small fee for using the public swimming pool during the weekends.
The governing body has the authority to levy fines against members who violate the established code of conduct.
formalThe governing body has the authority to levy fines against members who violate the established code of conduct.
The sports club is going to levy a ten-dollar charge on everyone to help pay for the end-of-year party.
informalThe sports club is going to levy a ten-dollar charge on everyone to help pay for the end-of-year party.
Historically, monarchs would frequently levy heavy taxes on the peasantry to fund their extensive overseas wars.
academicHistorically, monarchs would frequently levy heavy taxes on the peasantry to fund their extensive overseas wars.
The government announced plans to levy a new carbon tax on industrial emissions starting next fiscal year.
businessThe government announced plans to levy a new carbon tax on industrial emissions starting next fiscal year.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
levy war
To formally declare or conduct a war
levy a distress
To seize property to satisfy a debt (legal)
levy an execution
To carry out a court order to seize property
Often Confused With
A 'levee' is an embankment built to prevent a river from overflowing, whereas 'levy' is the imposition of a tax or fee.
Usage Notes
The verb 'levy' is almost exclusively used in financial or legal contexts. It requires a direct object, such as 'tax', 'fine', or 'fee', and often uses the preposition 'on' or 'against' to indicate the target.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'levy' as a general synonym for 'collecting' anything, but it should only be used when the collection is an official or forced obligation.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'L' in Levy as 'Lifting' money out of someone's pocket for the government. It also shares an origin with 'lever' (to raise).
Word Origin
From the Old French word 'lever,' meaning 'to raise or lift,' originally referring to the raising of an army or the collecting of taxes.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The power to levy taxes is a central theme in political history, notably fueling the American Revolution with the slogan 'No taxation without representation.'
Quick Quiz
The local council voted to ___ a new tax on plastic packaging to encourage recycling.
Correct!
The correct answer is: levy
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