Tall: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe someone's height or the height of an object like a building. Neutral in tone.

• She is a tall woman, almost six feet high.
• The Empire State Building is very tall.

Used to describe something's vertical extent from the ground or baseline. More commonly applied to physical objects or elevations rather than people.

• The mountain is so high we couldn't see the top.
• The ceiling in the cathedral is remarkably high.

Often implies elevation, nobility, or grandeur, both in physical and metaphorical senses. Can suggest pride or ambition and might have a slightly formal or poetic tone.

• He has lofty ambitions of becoming a famous writer.
• The eagle built its nest in a lofty cliff.

Often used to emphasize extreme height or size, either literally or metaphorically. Can have a slight connotative emphasis on impressiveness or intimidation.

• The giant oak tree in our yard is over a hundred years old.
• He is a giant in the world of technology.

If used again it would have the same meaning as the first entry provided.

• She loves tall trees.
• He is the tallest in his class.

This term is used more often to describe the distance between the ground and a point above it, particularly in reference to objects or places rather than people.

• The mountain is extremely high.
• The plane was flying high in the sky.

This word can describe an elevated position but often carries a negative connotation of arrogance or being high-minded.

• He spoke loftily of his achievements, making everyone feel small.

This word emphasizes enormous or exceptional size, often in a dramatic or exaggerated way. It is less common in everyday use.

• The player stood giantly over the rest of the team.