Meaning & use
planetary scale
Last updated
Meaning
nounusually singular
The size or extent of an entire planet, or something happening on a very large, worldwide level.
Grammar: Usually used in the phrase 'on a planetary scale' or 'at a planetary scale'.
Patterns
- on a planetary scale
- at a planetary scale
Climate change affects us on a planetary scale.
The eruption had a planetary scale impact on the atmosphere.
They studied the problem at a planetary scale.
Common combinations
- on a planetary scale
- The internet connects people on a planetary scale.
- planetary scale event
- A planetary scale event could change life on Earth.
- planetary scale problem
- We need to address this planetary scale problem together.
Synonyms and how they differ
- global scale
- Global scale is similar but often implies involving the whole world, while planetary scale emphasizes the size of the planet itself.
- worldwide
- Worldwide is an adjective or adverb meaning 'everywhere in the world'; planetary scale is a noun phrase focusing on the magnitude.
Opposites
Word family
- planet noun
- A large round object in space that moves around a star.
- planetary adjective
- Relating to a planet.
Commonly confused: planetary scale or global?
planetary scale vs global
Global means relating to the whole world, often used for human activities; planetary scale is more about the size of the planet itself.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'planetary scale' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Planetary scale' refers to something affecting an entire planet or of huge size. Only option 1 fits that meaning; the others are too small or trivial.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “planetary scale”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.