Levee
Noun
Definition: An embankment built to prevent the overflow of a river or other body of water; a raised bank.
Synonyms: Embankment, Dyke, Barrier
Antonyms: Canal, Ditch, Waterway
- The levee held back the floodwaters and protected the nearby town.
- The government invested in strengthening the levee system after the last major flood.
- Think of the word "levee" as a barrier that prevents water from "leaving" the designated area.
Etymology:
The word "levee" comes from the French word "levée" which means "rising" or "a raising." It is derived from the verb "lever" which means "to raise."
Historical Usage:The term "levee" was first used in English in the late 17th century to refer to the raised embankments constructed along the Mississippi River to regulate flooding.
Related Idioms:
"Hold a levee"
Explanation:This phrase refers to a formal reception or assembly where guests are received by a prominent person. It can also refer to a morning reception held by a ruler or a person of high social status.
Misconceptions:
Confusing the noun "levee" with the verb "levy."
Explanation:While both "levee" and "levy" sound similar, they have different meanings. "Levee" refers to an embankment or a formal reception, while "levy" means to impose or collect a tax, fee, or fine.