noun

stature

STACH-uh

noun

A person or animal's natural height when standing upright.

"Despite his short stature, he was a dominant force on the basketball court."

"The jockey's small stature is an advantage in horse racing."

The level of respect or importance someone has earned through their achievements or reputation.

"Her stature in the scientific community grew after the discovery was confirmed."

"Winning the award raised his stature within the company."

How to Use Stature

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither your physical height, or the level of respect and standing you've earned.

Common mistake

Most modern use is figurative — "a person of great stature" almost always means respected or important, not literally tall.

Common pairings

grow in stature a person of stature small in stature international stature

statures plural

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Despite his short _____, he was a dominant force on the basketball court.

From Old French stature, going back to Latin statura, "height, size" — from the same root as "stand" and "status."

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