scale Definition
- 1a system of ordered marks at fixed intervals used as a reference standard in measurement
- 2a range of different sizes, amount, or levels
- 3a 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
Antonyms for scale
Idioms Using scale
Example
Her experience and qualifications tipped the scale in her favor during the job interview.
Example
The success of the new product was off the scale, with sales reaching record numbers.
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
Example
The doctor asked me to step on the weighing scale.
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'
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.
