scale
19 synonyms and 0 antonyms for scale, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The size, extent, or proportion of something, especially compared to something else.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use scale
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin scāla, "ladder, staircase," from scandere, "to climb" — the same root behind "ascend" and "descend." The fish-skin sense comes from a separate but similarly spelled Germanic word.
Full origin of scale →Frequently asked questions
What does “scale” mean?
The word “scale” means the size, extent, or proportion of something, especially compared to something else. In plain terms, a very flexible word covering size/proportion, measurement systems, weighing devices, fish/reptile skin plates, and the verb for climbing or resizing something.
How do you pronounce “scale”?
“Scale” is pronounced skayl (/skeɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “scale” in a sentence?
Here is “scale” used in a sentence: “The scale of the damage from the flood shocked everyone.”
What part of speech is “scale”?
Depending on how it is used, “scale” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “scale” come from?
The word “scale” comes from Latin. From Latin scāla, "ladder, staircase," from scandere, "to climb" — the same root behind "ascend" and "descend." The fish-skin sense comes from a separate but similarly spelled Germanic word.
Is “scale” a common word?
“Scale” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “scale” have?
“Scale” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the size, extent, or proportion of something, especially compared to something else.
What are the different meanings of scale?
Scale has several meanings. It can mean the size or extent of something, as in 'the scale of the problem.' It can be a device for weighing, the tough plates on a fish or reptile, a series of musical notes, or the ratio between a map and real distances. Context decides.
What does 'on a large scale' mean?
It means done to a great size, extent, or degree. Producing something on a large scale means making a lot of it, or affecting many people or a wide area. The phrase contrasts with 'on a small scale,' where the size, reach, or ambition of the activity is much more limited.
What is the scale of a map?
A map's scale is the ratio between distance on the map and the matching distance in the real world. A scale of 1:100,000 means one centimetre on the map equals 100,000 centimetres, or one kilometre, on the ground. It lets you judge real distances from the map.