1 A step or level in the accomplishment of an act or a duty, or in the determination of a relationship. The level of an offense, such as murder and determining the appropriate punishment for it. degree of care. The standard to which a party is responsible for exercising a duty or responsibility in order to avoid an implication of negligence. 2. In trusts and estates or family law matters, degree pertains to genetic proximity (the degree of consanguinity)