Size Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📏
Add to dictionary

size

[saɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

clothing

The overall dimensions or extent of something, especially in terms of length, width, or height.

Synonyms

dimensions, extent, measurements.

Examples of usage

  • Make sure you know your size before ordering clothes online.
  • What size shoe do you wear?
Context #2 | Noun

portion

A particular portion or quantity of something.

Synonyms

amount, portion, quantity.

Examples of usage

  • Can I have a small size of fries?
  • Would you like a large size drink?
Context #3 | Verb

modify

To alter or adjust the dimensions or proportions of something.

Synonyms

adjust, fit, modify.

Examples of usage

  • You may need to size the image to fit the frame.
  • I need to size this dress before the event.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, size can influence the survival of species; larger animals may require more food and living space.
  • Physics often considers size in terms of scale, where smaller objects can behave differently from larger ones due to the laws of quantum mechanics.
  • In meteorology, the size of a weather system can determine its impact; larger systems can cause more significant effects like storms.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies suggest that perceived size can influence how we view objects or people, often relating to social status or importance.
  • The 'size-weight illusion' shows that larger objects often feel lighter than smaller ones, demonstrating how perception can differ from reality.
  • Children's understanding of size progresses with age, evolving from basic comparisons to understanding scale and proportion in more complex contexts.

Pop Culture

  • In fashion, 'size' has sparked discussions about body positivity and representation, influencing brands to adopt more inclusive sizing.
  • Movies often explore themes related to size, like 'Ant-Man,' where character size changes lead to unique challenges and humor.
  • The phrase 'size matters' appears in various contexts, often humorously referencing the significance of size in both relationships and competition.

Mathematics

  • In geometry, size is crucial when calculating area and volume; understanding these measurements helps in real-world applications like construction.
  • Size can be defined mathematically in relation to dimensions, like length, width, and height, allowing for precise descriptions of objects.
  • The concept of size also extends beyond physical measurements, including abstract ideas like the 'size' of a number set in mathematics.

Origin of 'size'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old French word 'sise,' meaning 'to set' or 'to fix,' highlighting its association with measurement.
  • In Middle English, 'size' referred to 'magnitude' or 'proportion,' showing how it relates to understanding dimensions.
  • Usage of 'size' expanded in the 14th century to encompass a variety of contexts from clothing to physical objects.

The word 'size' originates from the Old French word 'siz', which means 'an allotted portion, a fixed measure'. It entered the English language in the 13th century. Over time, 'size' has evolved to encompass various meanings related to dimensions, extent, and portion. Today, it is commonly used in the context of clothing, measurements, and modifications.


See also: oversized, resize, sizeable.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #428, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.