size
n. C / Un. how big or small something is. You use this word to talk about the physical dimensions of an object or the measurements of your clothes.
n. the physical dimensions, proportions, or magnitude of an object or entity. Often used to refer to standardized measurements for clothing and footwear.
The size of the box is too large for the shelf.
I need to exchange this shirt because the size is too small for me.
The sheer size of the cathedral is intended to inspire awe in visitors, dwarfing the surrounding buildings with its massive stone arches.
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”)
Uncountable when referring to the general quality of magnitude; countable when referring to specific standardized measurements.
What size of shoes do you wear?What size shoes do you wear?When asking about clothing or shoe measurements, 'size' is often used directly before the noun without 'of'.
- 01
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”).
- 02
cut down to size
To humble or humiliate, especially someone or something that is perceived as overly domineering or too proud.
- 03
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.