Tall: meaning, definitions and examples

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tall

[tɔːl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

person's height

Of great or more than average height; having a height greater than that of other things or people.

Synonyms

giant, high, lofty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tall	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.
high	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.
lofty	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.
giant	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.

Examples of usage

He was a tall man, towering over the others in the room.
The tree was so tall that it almost touched the sky.
She had to look up to meet his tall frame.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

measurement

In a way that is of great or more than average height.

Synonyms

giantly, high, loftily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tall	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.
high	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.
loftily	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.
giantly	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.

Examples of usage

The tower stood tall against the skyline.
He stood tall, proud of his accomplishment.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'tall' comes from Old English 'talu', which meant 'tall or high'.
Originally, 'tall' was used in Scots language to describe a thing that is noble or impressive, showing the positive connotation of height.
In Middle English, it evolved to describe someone of a lofty stature.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, height is associated with authority and leadership; taller individuals can be perceived as more powerful.
In sports, height can be an advantage; basketball players often strive to be taller to make it easier to shoot or defend.
Certain fashion trends have historically favored tall figures, impacting the modeling industry and beauty standards.

Psychology

Studies have shown that taller individuals often experience greater self-esteem and confidence in social situations.
Research indicates that people attribute positive qualities to taller individuals, perceiving them as more competent and successful.
Height can affect interpersonal judgments, where taller individuals might receive more job opportunities regardless of actual qualifications.

Nature

Many tall plants, such as sunflowers, grow toward the sun, a phenomenon known as phototropism.
Trees, which can be among the tallest organisms on the planet, play a critical role in ecosystems by providing habitat and storing carbon.
Certain species of animals have adapted to be tall, like giraffes, to reach higher food sources in trees.

Architecture

The tallest structure in the world, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, stands at a staggering height of 828 meters (2,717 feet).
Skyscrapers are often a symbol of modernity and urban development, showcasing advances in engineering and architectural design.
Height in architecture is often associated with status; taller buildings can attract more attention and visitors.

Translations

Translations of the word "tall" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alto

🇮🇳 लंबा

🇩🇪 groß

🇮🇩 tinggi

🇺🇦 високий

🇵🇱 wysoki

🇯🇵 高い (たかい)

🇫🇷 grand

🇪🇸 alto

🇹🇷 uzun

🇰🇷 키가 큰

🇸🇦 طويل

🇨🇿 vysoký

🇸🇰 vysoký

🇨🇳 高的 (gāo de)

🇸🇮 visok

🇮🇸 hár

🇰🇿 ұзын

🇬🇪 მაღალი

🇦🇿 uzun

🇲🇽 alto

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,116, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3113 yard
3114 par
3115 throw
3116 tall
3117 worst
3118 trading
3119 pride
...