scale

noun
UK: /skeɪl/
US: /skeɪl/

  1. A set of numbers or marks used for measuring something.

    1. Look at the scale to see how much you weigh. [ ] [ ]
    2. The map uses a scale of 1 inch to 10 miles, so it's pretty detailed. [ ] [ ]

  2. A device for weighing things or people.

    1. Put the letter on the scale to check the postage. [ ] [ ]
    2. The digital scale showed that I had lost weight, which was encouraging news. [ ] [ ]

  3. The size or extent of something, especially when large.

    1. The scale of the problem is bigger than we thought. [ ] [ ]
    2. We didn't realize the scale of the damage until we saw the devastation. [ ] [ ]

  4. A series of musical notes arranged in a specific order.

    1. Practice your scales every day to improve your playing. [ ] [ ]
    2. She played a C major scale to warm up before her piano recital. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

range mount balance degree ascend climb scope extent reduce level proportion increase ratio expand graduation
scale verb

  1. To climb up or over something high.

    1. They had to scale the wall to get inside. [ ] [ ]
    2. Experienced climbers can scale even the steepest mountain cliffs safely. [ ] [ ]

  2. To make something smaller or larger in size, usually proportionally.

    1. We need to scale down our plans due to budget cuts. [ ] [ ]
    2. The company hopes to scale up production to meet increased demand. [ ] [ ]

  3. To remove scales from a fish.

    1. First, you need to scale the fish before cooking it. [ ] [ ]
    2. He used a special tool to quickly scale the fish he caught earlier. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "scale" in English means: A set of numbers or marks used for measuring something., A device for weighing things or people., The size or extent of something, especially when large., A series of musical notes arranged in a specific order..

The phonetic transcription of "scale" is /skeɪl/ in British English and /skeɪl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "scale": range, mount, balance, degree, ascend, climb, scope, extent, reduce, level, proportion, increase, ratio, expand, graduation.

Example usage of "scale": "Look at the scale to see how much you weigh.". More examples on the page.