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size
1[ sahyz ]
/ saɪz /
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noun
verb (used with object), sized, siz·ing.
Verb Phrases
size up, Informal.
- to form an estimate of (a situation, person, etc.); judge: They sized him up with a look.
- to meet a certain standard: He doesn't size up to my expectations.
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Idioms about size
- to put on briefly in order to test the fit of, as a garment or shoes.
- to consider, evaluate, do, or use before taking further action:We'll try the plan on for size to see whether it's practical.
of a size, of the same or similar size: The two poodles are of a size.
try on for size,
Origin of size
1First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English noun sise, syse, originally, “control, regulation, limit,” from Old French sise, shortening and alteration of assise assize
synonym study for size
1. Size, volume, mass, bulk are terms referring to the extent or dimensions of that which has magnitude and occupies space. Size is the general word: of great size; small in size. Volume often applies to something that has no fixed shape: Smoke has volume. Mass, also, does not suggest shape, but suggests a quantity of matter in a solid body: a mass of concrete. Bulk suggests weight, and often a recognizable, though perhaps unwieldy, shape: the huge bulk of an elephant.
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH size
sighs, sizeWords nearby size
sixty-two, six-wheeler, six-yard line, sizable, sizar, size, sizeable, sized, sizeism, size queen, sizer
Other definitions for size (2 of 2)
size2
[ sahyz ]
/ saɪz /
noun
any of various gelatinous or glutinous preparations made from glue, starch, etc., used for filling the pores of cloth, paper, etc., or as an adhesive ground for gold leaf on books.
verb (used with object), sized, siz·ing.
to coat or treat with size.
Origin of size
2First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English noun sise, syse; perhaps special use of size1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use size in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for size (1 of 2)
size1
/ (saɪz) /
noun
the dimensions, proportions, amount, or extent of something
large or great dimensions, etc
one of a series of graduated measurements, as of clothingshe takes size 4 shoes
informal state of affairs as summarizedhe's bankrupt, that's the size of it
verb
to sort according to size
(tr) to make or cut to a particular size or sizes
Derived forms of size
sizer, nounWord Origin for size
C13: from Old French sise, shortened from assise assize
usage for size
The use of -size and -sized after large or small is redundant, except when describing something which is made in specific sizes: a large (not large-size) organization. Similarly, in size is redundant in the expressions large in size and small in size
British Dictionary definitions for size (2 of 2)
size2
/ (saɪz) /
noun
Also called: sizing a thin gelatinous mixture, made from glue, clay, or wax, that is used as a sealer or filler on paper, cloth, or plaster surfaces
verb
(tr) to treat or coat (a surface) with size
Derived forms of size
sizy, adjectiveWord Origin for size
C15: perhaps from Old French sise; see size 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Other Idioms and Phrases with size
size
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.