Tallness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tallness

[ˈtɔːlnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

physical appearance

The quality or state of being tall in height.

Synonyms

elevation, height, stature.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tallness

Used to describe the quality of being tall, particularly in relation to people or natural objects like trees.

  • Her tallness makes her stand out in a crowd.
  • The tallness of the redwood trees is impressive.
height

A general term used for the measurement from the base to the top of something, often used in both physical and abstract contexts.

  • What is the height of that building?
  • She reached new heights in her career.
stature

Commonly used to describe a person's natural height or to refer to someone's reputation or status, often in a positive or respectful context.

  • He is a man of great stature in the community.
  • Her short stature doesn't affect her confidence.
elevation

Typically used to describe the height of a geographical location, such as a mountain or hill, above a fixed reference point, often sea level.

  • The elevation of the mountain is 5,000 meters.
  • Higher elevation can lead to cooler temperatures.

Examples of usage

  • He was proud of his tallness, standing head and shoulders above the rest.
  • Her tallness made her the perfect candidate for the basketball team.
Context #2 | Noun

measurement

The vertical extent or distance from the bottom to the top.

Synonyms

altitude, height, length.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tallness

This word is often used to describe the vertical extent of a person or sometimes a structure. It focuses more on how tall something or someone is.

  • Her tallness makes her stand out in a crowd.
  • The tallness of the building was impressive.
height

A general term that can be applied to people, animals, buildings, or geographical features. It measures how tall something is.

  • She is concerned about her child's height.
  • The height of the mountain amazed everyone.
length

While it can sometimes describe height or distance, length is more often used to describe the measurement of something from end to end along its longest side.

  • The length of the table is six feet.
  • She measured the length of her dress.
altitude

Used to describe the height of an object in relation to sea level or ground level. Commonly used in geography, aviation, and climbing.

  • The plane is flying at an altitude of 30,000 feet.
  • Climbers reached an altitude that tested their endurance.

Examples of usage

  • The tallness of the tree amazed the onlookers.
  • The tallness of the building was a testament to modern architecture.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, height is associated with leadership, often linking tallness to authority and confidence.
  • Tallness in fashion and modeling typically emphasizes elegance and can influence beauty standards worldwide.
  • Across various sports like basketball, being tall is often an advantage, leading to a specialized role in team dynamics.

Psychology

  • Research has shown that people often perceive taller individuals as more competent, which can affect hiring decisions.
  • Height can influence social interactions; taller people may feel more confident but also face different expectations in social situations.
  • Taller figures in dreams often symbolize power or dominance, indicating personal feelings about authority.

Biology

  • Height in humans is influenced by genetics, nutrition, and overall health during growth stages.
  • Some species of trees can grow over 300 feet tall, showcasing extreme variations in height in the natural world.
  • Animals' height can impact their survival strategies, as taller species may have advantages in spotting predators or competing for mates.

Architecture

  • Tall buildings, known as skyscrapers, are designed to maximize space in urban environments and symbolize economic power.
  • The Burj Khalifa, standing at over 2,700 feet, is an iconic representation of height in modern architecture.
  • Designing tall structures involves unique engineering challenges, addressing factors like wind resistance and foundation stability.

Origin of 'tallness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tall' comes from the Old Norse word 'tallr', which meant 'tall, high, or lofty'.
  • In Middle English, 'tall' was associated with the meaning 'valiant' or 'brave', reflecting a strong presence.
  • The suffix '-ness' is commonly used in English to turn adjectives into nouns, highlighting a quality or state.

The word 'tallness' originated from the Middle English word 'talle,' which meant 'high in stature.' Over time, the suffix '-ness' was added to form the noun 'tallness,' referring to the quality or state of being tall. The concept of height has been a significant aspect of human perception and comparison throughout history, influencing various cultural, social, and physical aspects of life.


See also: tall, tally.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,333, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.