Pronunciation

/skeɪl/

Definitions

Noun

1. Scale: A set of gradations or steps, usually used for measuring or arranging things in order of size, quantity, or value. For example: “The temperature scale ranges from freezing to boiling.”
2. Weight scale: An instrument used for measuring weight. For example: “She stepped on the bathroom scale every morning.”
3. Musical scale: A series of notes arranged in a particular pattern, forming the basis for melodies and harmony. For example: “The song was based on the pentatonic scale.”
4. Rating scale: A graduated system for evaluating or ranking something. For example: “This movie received a 9 out of 10 on the IMDB scale.”

Verb

1. To scale (in the context of climbing): Ascend or climb up a steep surface. For example: “The climbers carefully scaled the rock face.”
2. To adjust or adapt to a new level: To grow or change in size or intensity. For example: “The economy is expected to scale up gradually.”

Adjective

1. Scaling: Done in increments or steps, often in reference to growth or proportion. For example: “The company’s revenue has been scaling up steadily.”

Phrases

• “Operate on a large scale” means to work on a grand or extensive level.
• “Scale up” or “scale down” refers to increasing or decreasing in size or intensity.
• “Keep things in perspective” can imply understanding the relative scale of something.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The architect designed the building with a perfect balance of form and function across multiple scales.”
• Verb: “The chef decided to scale up the recipe to feed a larger crowd.”
• Adjective: “The city’s infrastructure is being scaled to accommodate its growing population.”

Synonyms

• Rangefinder
• Measurement
• Gradient
• Sequence
• Runge-Kutta method (for numerical analysis, not a direct synonym but related concept)