scale
gb/skˈeɪl/ us/skˈeɪl/
A2
English
~ 1200
skála, mérleg, átméretez, skáláz, pikkely, hangsor
NOUN
B1
1
skála
B1
Usage pattern:
on a scale of [number] to [number]
The earthquake measured 6.5 on the Richter scale.
A földrengés erőssége a Richter-skálán 6,5 volt.
We need to assess the problem on a scale from minor to severe.
A problémát az enyhétől a súlyosig terjedő skálán kell értékelnünk.
The map is drawn to a scale of 1:50,000.
Learner examples
The test is scored on a scale of 1 to 10.
A tesztet 1-től 10-ig terjedő skálán pontozzák.
This map is on a scale of 1 to 100.
Ez a térkép 1:100 méretarányú.
Pain is measured on a scale from 0 to 10.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'scale' with 'weighing scale' when talking about ranges or levels.
Meaning
A range of levels or sizes
Collocations
on a scale
|large scale
|small scale
|scale of measurement
|scale model
Synonyms
range (Refers more generally to the span between limits, without implying a formal measurement system.)
Antonyms
singularity (Indicates only one point or value, with no range or gradation.)
Themes
measurement
|science
|daily life
|education
Definition
A set of numbers or levels used to measure or compare things.
A set of ordered levels, steps, or values used for measuring, comparing, or grading something.
NOUN
A2
2
mérleg
A2
She stepped onto the bathroom scale to check her weight.
Ráállt a fürdőszobai mérlegre, hogy megmérje magát.
The store uses a digital scale to weigh produce.
Az üzletben digitális mérleggel mérik le a zöldséget és gyümölcsöt.
The luggage was placed on the scale at the airport.
Learner examples
I use a scale to check my weight.
Mérleget használok, hogy ellenőrizzem a súlyomat.
The store has a big scale for fruit.
A boltban van egy nagy mérleg a gyümölcs leméréséhez.
Put the box on the scale.
Meaning
Device for weighing things
Collocations
bathroom scale
|digital scale
|weighing scale
Synonyms
weighing machine (More formal or technical term; less common in everyday speech.)
Themes
daily life
|measurement
|daily_life
|science
Definition
A tool used to see how heavy something is.
A device used to measure the weight of a person, animal, or object.
VERB
B2
3
Usage pattern:
to scale [something] up/down
We plan to scale up our operations next year.
Jövőre bővíteni tervezzük a működésünket.
You can scale the image to fit the page.
Át tudod méretezni a képet, hogy elférjen az oldalon.
The company scaled down its workforce during the recession.
Learner examples
They will scale up production next month.
A jövő hónapban felfuttatják a termelést.
Please scale the photo to fit the frame.
Kérlek, méretezd át a fotót, hogy beleférjen a keretbe.
We must scale down our plans.
Meaning
Adjust size proportionally
Collocations
scale up production
|scale down operations
|scale the image
Synonyms
resize (Often used for images or objects; less formal than 'scale'.)
Antonyms
distort (To change the shape without keeping proportions.)
Themes
business
|technology
|science
Definition
To make something bigger or smaller while keeping its shape the same.
To change the size, amount, or extent of something in proportion to a reference or standard.
NOUN
A2
4
pikkely
B1
The fish's scales shimmered in the sunlight.
A hal pikkelyei csillogtak a napfényben.
Snakes shed their old scales as they grow.
A kígyók növekedés közben levedlik régi pikkelyeiket.
He found a snake scale in the garden.
Learner examples
The fish has shiny scales.
A halnak fényes pikkelyei vannak.
Snakes lose their old scales.
A kígyók levedlik a régi pikkelyeiket.
I saw a snake scale on the ground.
Meaning
Small hard plate on animal skin
Collocations
fish scales
|shed scales
Synonyms
plate (In biology, refers more generally to a protective body covering; less specific than 'scale'.)
Themes
biology
|animals
|body
Definition
A small, hard piece that covers the skin of fish and reptiles.
One of the small, hard plates that cover the skin of fish, reptiles, and some other animals.
NOUN
B1
TECHNICAL
5
She practiced her scales for an hour each day.
Mindennap egy órán át skálákat gyakorolt.
The song is based on a minor scale.
A dal egy moll skálára épül.
Learning scales is essential for beginner musicians.
Learner examples
I play scales on my guitar every day.
Mindennap skálákat játszom a gitáromon.
This song uses a major scale.
Ez a dal dúr skálára épül.
He learns scales in music class.
Meaning
Sequence of musical notes by pitch
Collocations
major scale
|minor scale
|practice scales
Synonyms
gamut (An older or more literary term for a complete range of notes; rarely used in modern speech for music theory.)
Themes
music
|arts_entertainment
|education
Definition
A set of music notes played in order from low to high or high to low.
A sequence of musical notes ordered by pitch, typically within an octave, used as the basis for melodies and harmonies.
Grammar
Dictionary form
scale
IPA
GB/skˈeɪl/
US/skˈeɪl/
Syllables & stress
scale (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (scale)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: scale
- Plural: scale, scales
Verb
- Base: scale
- 3rd Person Singular: scales
- Present Participle: scaling
- Past: scaled
Word family
Forms
scales
noun
scaling
verb
scaled
verb
Related words
scalable
adjective B2
rescale
verb
Advanced or less common
scalability
noun C1
scaly
adjective
Expressions
full-scale
1/fˈʊl skˈeɪl/
fixed phrase
At maximum size scope or intensity
At the biggest size or most complete level possible.
Examples
- They launched a full-scale investigation into the incident.
- The army prepared for a full-scale attack.
on a large scale
1/ˈɔn ə lˈɑɹd͡ʒ skˈeɪl/
fixed phrase
Happening over wide area or scope
Happening in a big way or involving many things or people.
Examples
- The company produces clothing on a large scale.
- The disease spread on a large scale across the country.
scale down
1/skˈeɪl dˈaʊn/
phrasal verb
Reduce size proportionally from larger version
To make something smaller or less while keeping it in proportion.
Examples
- The company had to scale down operations due to low sales.
- We scaled down our holiday plans this year.
scale up
1/skˈeɪl ˈʌp/
phrasal verb
Increase size proportionally from smaller version
To make something bigger or greater while keeping it in proportion.
Examples
- They plan to scale up production next year.
- We need to scale up our efforts to meet demand.
tip the scales
1/tˈɪp ðə skˈeɪlz/
idiom
Influence outcome decisively
To make something happen by giving it an extra push or influence at the right time.
Examples
- Her testimony tipped the scales in favor of the defense.
- Her testimony tipped the scales in his favor.
- The new evidence could tip the scales toward conviction.
- The last goal tipped the scales toward victory.