scale

Meanings

1. 1nounusually singular

   The relative size, level, or extent of something compared with something else.

   Grammar: Common patterns: the scale of something and on a large/small scale.

   Patterns

   • the scale of something
   • on a large scale
   • on a global scale

   The scale of the flood surprised emergency workers.

   The company produces parts on a large scale.

   The plan works only if we understand the scale of the problem.

2. 2nouncountable

   An instrument for measuring weight.

   Grammar: Plural scales. American English often uses a scale; British English often uses scales for one weighing device.

   Patterns

   • a bathroom scale
   • kitchen scales
   • step on the scale

   She checked the weight on the bathroom scale.

   Put the flour on the kitchen scales.

   The scale needs new batteries before we ship the boxes.

3. 3nouncountablemusic

   A set of musical notes arranged from low to high or high to low.

   Grammar: Takes a plural: scales; often major, minor, chromatic, or a scale of C.

   Patterns

   • a major scale
   • practice scales
   • a scale of C

   Beginners often practice scales slowly every day.

   The melody uses notes from the C major scale.

   She sang a chromatic scale to warm up.

4. 4nouncountable

   A system of ordered levels, marks, or numbers used for measuring, rating, or mapping.

   Grammar: Used for rating scales, map scales, and temperature scales.

   Patterns

   • a scale of 1 to 10
   • map scale
   • a temperature scale

   Rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10.

   The map scale shows one centimeter for each kilometer.

   Water freezes at zero on the Celsius scale.

Word forms

Common combinations

on a large scale

The program recycles plastic on a large scale.

the scale of the problem

We underestimated the scale of the problem.

a scale of 1 to 10

Customers rated the service on a scale of 1 to 10.

economies of scale

Larger factories benefit from economies of scale.

major scale

The exercise moves through the G major scale.

map scale

Check the map scale before measuring distance.

Synonyms and how they differ

size

Size is the general noun; scale compares size or level with a standard or context.

extent

Extent stresses how far something reaches; scale often includes measurement or comparison.

range

Range fits the ordered-level sense; scale can also mean size, weighing device, or music.

balance

Balance is a more formal word for a weighing device, often with two pans; scale is common for household use.

Word family

scale verb

To climb up something, or to remove scales; different context from the noun.

scalable adjective

Able to grow or be used at a larger size without losing effectiveness.

scaling noun

The process of changing size, especially in computing or business.

Commonly confused: scale or scales?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “scale”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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