# size up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/size-up
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to look at someone or something carefully to form an opinion or make a judgment.

For teachers: to assess or evaluate a person, situation, or object, typically to determine its value, strength, or potential risk. Transitive and often implies a quick but thorough visual inspection.

## Examples

- The two boxers size up each other before the fight starts.
- She took a moment to size up the situation before deciding whether to intervene in the argument.
- The venture capitalist spent the afternoon sizing up the startup's leadership team to determine if they were worth the investment.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He sized up to the competition." but "He sized up the competition." — the verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.

## Usage notes

- often used when meeting a competitor or facing a new challenge.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'evaluate' or 'assess'; 'size up' is more visual and immediate, often used in physical or competitive contexts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.