size

/saɪz/ (bre, ipa) · [sˈaɪz] /saɪz/ (ame, ipa) · [sˈaɪz] /ˈsīz/ (ame, mw)

size — noun

  • sizesingular
  • sizesplural

1. the degree to which someone or something is big or small, usually expressed in u

1.名詞A2
釋義

the degree to which someone or something is big or small, usually expressed in units of length, area, or weight.

例句

The Watanabe family was amazed by the size of the ancient redwood tree.

noun phrase: the size of [thing]

Because of its size, the delivery truck could not fit through the narrow alley.

reason clause with because of its size

同義詞
  • dimensions

    more specific — refers to length, width, and height as individual measurements, not overall bigness

  • measurements

    emphasises exact numbers obtained by measuring rather than a general impression of bigness

  • extent

    more formal, often used for areas or degrees of seriousness rather than physical objects

常見錯誤

The size of the box is small.
The box is small.
💡In everyday English it is more natural to say something is small/big directly than to describe its size as small/big.

2. a standard label shown as a number or letter that tells you which version of a p

2.名詞A2
釋義

a standard label shown as a number or letter that tells you which version of a product to choose, especially for clothes, shoes, or packaged goods.

例句

Joaquín tried the jacket in a larger size, but it was still too tight.

in a [adjective] size

Defne always checks the size label on the box before buying shoes online.

size label

同義詞
  • fit

    focuses on how well something matches a person's shape, not the standard label itself

  • measurement

    an actual number in inches or centimetres, not a standardised size label

用法筆記

Commonly paired with a specific product type: 'shoe size', 'dress size', 'collar size'. The label itself can be a number (8, 10, 42) or a letter (S, M, L, XL).

常見錯誤

I need a size of 38 shoes.
I need size 38 shoes.' or 'I need shoes in size 38.
💡The article 'a' is not used before the size label.

3. a thick, sticky liquid that is put onto fabric, paper, or walls to make them sti

3.名詞
釋義

a thick, sticky liquid that is put onto fabric, paper, or walls to make them stiff or to create a smooth surface ready for painting or wallpaper.

例句

Beatrix brushed a layer of size onto the canvas before starting her painting.

brushed a layer of size onto [surface]

The old wallpaper came off easily because the size underneath had dried out.

同義詞
  • sizing

    the same substance, often used interchangeably in craft contexts

  • paste

    a more general term for any thick, wet adhesive mixture

用法筆記

This is a specialised sense used mainly by artists, decorators, and bookbinders. In everyday conversation, 'glue' or 'paste' is far more common.

size — verb