Tallest: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'tall' has Old Norse origins, stemming from the word 'tallr', meaning high or lofty.
• In Middle English, 'tallest' became an adjective to describe someone or something as more elevated in stature.
• The concept of height as a measure of greatness can be traced back to various cultures, reflecting values of strength and stature.

Architecture

• The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is currently the tallest building in the world, standing at an impressive 828 meters tall.
• The height of skyscrapers is not just a matter of aesthetics; it also involves engineering challenges to ensure stability and safety.
• The concept of tall buildings dates back to ancient times, where structures such as the Great Pyramid of Giza symbolized power and innovation.

Nature

• The tallest trees in the world are coastal redwoods, with some reaching heights of over 379 feet (about 115 meters).
• In the animal kingdom, the giraffe holds the title of the tallest land animal, commonly reaching over 18 feet (5.5 meters) tall.
• Certain grasses, like bamboo, can also achieve great heights, with some species growing over 100 feet tall in the right conditions.

Sports

• In basketball, height can be a significant advantage, helping players to shoot over their opponents more easily.
• Some of the tallest professional basketball players, like Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol, stood at 7 feet 7 inches tall.
• Height in sports can also influence performance in activities such as pole vaulting, where the advantage of longer limbs plays a crucial role.

Cultural Significance

• In many cultures, height is often associated with leadership and authority, reflecting a figure's presence or command.
• Tall people are frequently perceived as more attractive in certain societies, linking height to ideal beauty standards.
• In traditional fairy tales, giants are often depicted as tall creatures, symbolizing strength and dominance over smaller beings.

With rank #18,214, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 18214 tallest
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