size
n. · v.-
1 dimensions (n.) A2 Elementaryhow big or small something is.
the physical dimensions, proportions, or magnitude of an object or entity.
ExampleThe size of the new sofa made it difficult to get through the door.
ExampleThe sheer size of the cathedral was intended to inspire awe in the pilgrims who visited from across the continent.
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2 clothing measurement (n.) A2 Elementaryone of a series of standard measurements for clothes or shoes.
a specific set of standardized dimensions for manufactured articles, particularly garments and footwear.
ExampleI usually wear a size ten, but these shoes feel a bit tight.
ExampleThe retailer decided to expand their range to include plus-size options after reviewing customer feedback from the previous quarter.
PitfallWhat size of shoes do you wear?What shoe size do you wear?In English, we usually put the item before 'size' as a compound noun rather than using 'of'.
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3 glue or primer (n.) C2 Proficiency Technicala sticky substance like glue used to prepare a surface for painting.
a glutinous or viscous substance, such as thin glue or varnish, used as a primer for paper, canvas, or walls.
ExampleThe artist applied a layer of size to the canvas before starting the oil painting.
ExampleTraditional gilding requires the application of a specific oil-based size to ensure the gold leaf adheres smoothly to the frame.
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun in artistic or industrial contexts.
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4 to sort by dimensions (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto group or arrange things according to how big they are.
to classify, sort, or arrange items according to their physical dimensions.
ExampleThe machine sizes the apples and drops them into different boxes.
ExampleThe warehouse staff spent the afternoon sizing the incoming crates to ensure the heavy equipment was stored on the reinforced lower shelves.
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5 to apply primer (v.) C2 Proficiency Technicalto cover a surface with a special glue-like liquid before painting it.
to treat or coat a surface with size or a similar sealing agent.
ExampleYou need to size the wall before you put up the new wallpaper.
ExampleThe conservator carefully sized the porous paper to prevent the ink from feathering during the restoration process.
Attested since the 14th century, originally meant a “law or regulation that determines the amount to be paid”, from Middle English syse, sise (“regulation, control, limit”), from Old French cise, sise, aphetism of assise (“assize”), from the verb asseoir (“to sit down”), from Latin assidēre, composed of ad- (“to, towards, at”) + sedeō (“sit; settle down”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *sed-. Displaced native Old English miċelnes (literally “bigness”).
From Middle English syse, of unclear origin; related to Old Italian sisa (“a glue used by painters”), perhaps ultimately related to size / syse (“amount”), or perhaps shortened from assisa, from assiso (“to make to sit, to seat, to place”)
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act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
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cut down to size
To humble or humiliate, especially someone or something that is perceived as overly domineering or too proud.
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pick on someone your own size
An admonition of cowardice, usually said to make someone cease harassing or bullying someone else, especially where the bullied party is physically smaller or weaker than the bully.