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Scale: Definitions, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：size or extent (scale)
scale
/skeɪl/
n.
The size or level of something, especially when compared to other things.
size or extent
➕
/saɪz ɔːr ɪkˈstɛnt/
n.
Refers to the relative size, magnitude, or scope of something compared to others.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'scala' meaning ladder,引申为 steps or levels in size.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a ladder: each rung represents a different scale or size level.
📖 Example
The scale of the new renewable energy project is massive, aiming to power an entire city.
The scale of the new renewable energy project is massive, aiming to power an entire city.
🔗 Collocations
on a large scale – involving a wide scope or extent
scale of production – the level at which goods are manufactured
global scale – worldwide extent
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
insignificance (n.) – the quality of being unimportant or trivial
smallness (n.) – the state of being little in size
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'scala' (ladder). Evolved to denote a series of steps or levels, commonly used in music, maps, and business to indicate proportion or size.
Meaning 2：weighing device (scale)
scale
/skeɪl/
n.
A device that you stand on or put things on to measure how heavy they are.
weighing device
➕
/ˈweɪɪŋ dɪˈvaɪs/
n.
A tool used to measure the weight of objects or people.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
After weeks of healthy eating and exercise, she was excited to step on the bathroom scale and see the results.
After weeks of healthy eating and exercise, she was excited to step on the bathroom scale and see the results.
🔗 Collocations
bathroom scale – a scale used in bathrooms to measure body weight
digital scale – an electronic scale with a digital display
kitchen scale – a scale used in cooking to measure ingredients
🔄 Synonyms
balance (n.) – a device for weighing, often with two pans
weighing machine (n.) – a machine that measures weight
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