scale

[skeɪl]

scale Definition

• 1. a system of ordered marks at fixed intervals used as a reference standard in measurement
• 2. a range of different sizes, amount, or levels
• 3. a thin flake of dead epidermis shed from the skin

Using scale: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "scale" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The scale on the map is one inch to one mile.

• Example

  The scale of the problem is much bigger than we thought.

• Example

  I have dry skin and scales on my legs.

scale Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for scale

• graduation
• range
• spectrum
• flake
• plate

Antonyms for scale

• disproportion
• imbalance

Idioms Using scale

• tip the scale

  to be the deciding factor in a situation

  Example

  Her experience and qualifications tipped the scale in her favor during the job interview.

• off the scale

  exceeding all expectations or limits

  Example

  The success of the new product was off the scale, with sales reaching record numbers.

• throw someone/something off balance/scale

  to cause someone or something to become unsteady or unstable

  Example

  The unexpected news threw him off balance and he stumbled backwards.

Phrases with scale

• weighing scale

  a device for weighing people or things

  Example

  The doctor asked me to step on the weighing scale.

• musical scale

  a series of musical notes arranged in order of pitch

  Example

  She played a beautiful melody using the C major scale.

• scale back/down

  reduce the size, amount, or extent of something

  Example

  The company decided to scale back their operations due to financial difficulties.

Origins of scale

from Old Norse 'skál', meaning 'bowl, drinking cup'

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Summary: scale in Brief

The term 'scale' [skeɪl] refers to a system of ordered marks used as a reference standard in measurement, a range of different sizes or levels, and a thin flake of dead epidermis shed from the skin. It can denote a weighing scale or a musical scale, and idioms like 'tip the scale' and 'off the scale' express decisive factors and exceeding expectations, respectively. 'Scale back/down' means to reduce something, while 'throw someone/something off balance/scale' implies instability.