Meaning & use

scale

noun·Everyday

The relative size or extent of something, especially in comparison to something else.

See it in a sentence

The scale of the disaster became clear only after aerial footage was released.

They underestimated the scale of the project when they first drew up the budget.

A note on using this word

Scale can also refer to a device for weighing objects or to a graduated sequence, such as a musical scale or a map scale.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. noun

A device used for weighing people or objects.

He stepped on the scale to check his weight before the trip.

3. noun

A sequence of musical notes arranged in ascending or descending order of pitch.

The piano student practiced her scales for twenty minutes every day.

Make it your own

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