What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tier
Example
The wedding cake had three tiers, each decorated with a different design. [tier: noun]
Example
The company offers different tiers of membership, each with its own benefits. [tier: adjective]
level
Example
The water level in the lake has risen due to heavy rain. [level: noun]
Example
The teacher adjusted the difficulty level of the test to match the students' abilities. [level: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Level is more commonly used than tier in everyday language. Level is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tier is less common and often used in specific contexts such as rankings or quality levels.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tier and level?
Both tier and level can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but tier may be perceived as more formal due to its association with hierarchy and prestige.