full-scale

/ˌfʊl ˈskeɪl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌfʊl ˈskeɪl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfu̇l-ˌskāl/ (ame, mw)

full-scale — adjective

1. A full-scale object, model, or drawing is built at the exact dimensions of the r

1.形容詞B2
釋義

A full-scale object, model, or drawing is built at the exact dimensions of the real thing it represents — for example, a life-sized dinosaur skeleton in a museum or a room mock-up that architects construct at actual size before building.

例句

The museum displayed a full-scale model of a T-Rex skeleton that visitors could walk around.

full-scale model of a [thing]

Architects at the firm built a full-scale mock-up of the kitchen to check the counter height and cabinet layout.

full-scale mock-up of [something]

同義詞
  • life-sized

    Informal synonym; more common for living things like people or animals.

  • actual-size

    Less common; used in technical manuals and instructions.

反義詞
  • scale

    Used in phrases like 'scale model' (smaller than original) or 'half-scale'.

  • miniature

    Describes a much smaller version of the original.

文法句型

full-scale + noun

用法筆記

Primarily used before concrete nouns such as model, replica, mock-up, drawing, or reproduction. The adjective cannot follow a linking verb — it is always attributive.

常見錯誤

❌The painting is full-scale of the original.
✅The painting is a full-scale copy of the original.
💡full-scale must come before a noun; it cannot be used after 'is' alone.
❌They made a full-scale statue that was bigger than real life.
✅They made a full-scale statue that matched the real person exactly in size.
💡full-scale implies exact real size, not larger or smaller.

2. A full-scale activity, operation, or effort is done in a complete and thorough w

2.形容詞B2
釋義

A full-scale activity, operation, or effort is done in a complete and thorough way, using every available method, resource, or person — for example, a police investigation that involves all departments and equipment, or a military attack that uses all units.

例句

Police launched a full-scale investigation after the bank robbery, bringing in forensic teams and detectives from three cities.

full-scale investigation

The city began a full-scale search for survivors after the earthquake destroyed hundreds of buildings.

full-scale search

同義詞
  • all-out

    More informal; often used for efforts like campaigns, attacks, or searches.

  • comprehensive

    More formal; emphasises covering all aspects rather than using all resources.

  • total

    Stronger and more absolute; common in military contexts ('total war').

反義詞
  • partial

    Describes an effort that involves only some resources or parts.

  • limited

    Describes an operation with restricted scope or resources.

文法句型

full-scale + noun

用法筆記

Common with abstract nouns describing operations: investigation, search, attack, war, reform, production, test, campaign. The adjective emphasises that nothing has been held back — all resources are in use.

常見錯誤

❌They did a full-scale cleaning of the office.
✅They did a thorough cleaning of the office.
💡full-scale is used for large, organised operations, not everyday tasks.
❌It was a full-scale success.
✅It was a complete success.
💡full-scale is not used with abstract results; it modifies the activity itself, not its outcome.