Tallest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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.

Main points about word origin

• 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.

The word 'tallest' is derived from the Old English word 'tall,' which has roots in the Middle English term 'tal', meaning high or lofty. Over the centuries, the evolution of the term reflects changes in language and usage. By the time the word entered the modern vernacular, it had adapted to describe not only physical height but also metaphorical heights in various contexts. The suffix '-est' is a superlative form in English that indicates the highest degree, which is commonly used in adjectives to express superiority in a particular quality. This formation contributes to its widespread use in descriptions of both people and objects, thereby embedding 'tallest' firmly into contemporary English lexicon.

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

• ...
• 18211 propensities
• 18212 unaccustomed
• 18213 ignite
• 18214 tallest
• 18215 brunt
• 18216 malarial
• 18217 supple
• ...