Tall

Definition

Tall refers to having a greater than average height or being notably high or elevated in stature.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tɔːl/
• Respelling: TAWL

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tɔːl/
• Respelling: TAWL

Etymology

The word "tall" originates from Middle English "tal," meaning "brave or fine," and evolved in meaning to denote height during the late medieval period. It is derived from Old English "getæl," meaning "quick or prompt."

Derivatives

• Taller (adjective, comparative)
• Tallest (adjective, superlative)
• Tallish (adjective)
• Tallness (noun)
• Tall tale (noun, idiomatic expression)

Synonyms

• High
• Lofty
• Elevated

Antonyms

• Short
• Low
• Petite

Usage

The adjective "tall" is used to describe height or elevation, as in "The tall man reached the top shelf." It can also describe challenges or exaggerated statements, as in "That’s a tall order" or "a tall tale."

Related Terms

• Height: The measurement of how tall someone or something is.
• Elevation: The height of an object or location above a reference point.
• Statue: The stature or physical height of an individual or object.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Greater than average height: Refers to being above the typical height for a person, animal, or structure.
  • Example: "The tall building dominated the skyline."
• Requiring considerable effort or difficulty: Often used metaphorically to describe challenging tasks or situations.
  • Example: "Climbing Mount Everest is a tall order."
• Exaggerated or improbable: Refers to something that is hard to believe or overblown.
  • Example: "The fisherman’s story sounded like a tall tale."