DictionaryscaleProportional size
noun / verb

scale

The size or extent of something.

The scale of the project requires a much larger team.

Etymology

A ladder supplies an image of ordered steps or gradations. Scale developed from such a graduated measure to the relative size or extent it expresses.

More examples

  • The architect builds a model at one-tenth the original scale.
  • They scale up production when demand rises.
  • We scale the image down to fit the page.

Forms

scale · scales · scaled · scaling

scalable adjective — able to increase in size or capacity

Similar words

size
Describes dimensions or magnitude without necessarily implying a comparison.
extent
Emphasizes how far something reaches or how much it covers.
scope
Emphasizes the range of activities, subjects, or responsibilities involved.