A2noun1K

Size

UK /["/saɪz/"]/US /["/saɪz/"]/

Definition

how large or small a person or thing is

In simple words: how big or small something is

Examples

  • The size of the shirt was too small for me.
  • Can you tell me the size of that pizza?
  • Her size changed after she started exercising regularly.
  • We need to consider the size of the room before buying new furniture.
  • What size of shoes do you wear?

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. 'Size' is suitable for descriptions of objects, clothing, and measurements but is less appropriate for abstract concepts without clear dimensions.

Grammar pattern

size + noun

Memory hint

Think of a giant 'size' soda cup – it helps you remember that 'size' is about how big something is.

Collocations

  • considerable
  • enormous
  • fair
  • adjust
  • change
  • control
  • grow
  • increase
  • decline
  • from the size of
  • in size
  • in the size of
  • given the size of something
  • half the size of something
  • two, three, etc. times the size of something
  • large
  • medium
  • small
  • range
  • variety
  • be
  • take
  • wear
  • fit somebody
  • in a/​your size
  • be a size too big, small, etc.
  • size matters

Synonyms

  • dimension
  • magnitude
  • scale
  • proportions
  • extent

Antonyms

  • small
  • tiny
  • minute

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'size' with 'sized'; 'sized' is used as an adjective.
  • Using 'size' where 'amount' would be more appropriate when referring to uncountable quantities.
  • Saying 'the sizes of the shoes' instead of 'the shoe sizes'.