small-scale

/ˌsmɔːl ˈskeɪl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌsmɔːl ˈskeɪl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsmȯl-ˈskāl/ (ame, mw)

small-scale — adjective

1. Involving only a small number of people, things, places, or activities.

1.形容詞B2
釋義

Involving only a small number of people, things, places, or activities.

例句

Stephanie started a small-scale bakery in her garage after losing her job.

small-scale + business: limited in size and output

The town tested the new bus route in a small-scale trial.

small-scale + trial: used for limited testing

同義詞
  • limited

    A broader word for something restricted in size or amount; small-scale is more common for projects or businesses.

  • modest

    Can suggest small size, but often adds a positive sense of simplicity or lack of showiness.

  • minor

    Usually stresses low importance rather than actual size or reach.

反義詞
  • large-scale

    Involving many people, a wide area, or a high level of activity.

用法筆記

Usually used before nouns such as business, study, trial, or protest. Distinguish from Sense 2 (REDUCED DRAWING): this sense is about a real activity being limited, not a map or model being reduced.

常見錯誤

❌The town ran a small scale trial last month.
✅The town ran a small-scale trial last month.
💡Use a hyphen when this adjective comes before a noun.

2. Made smaller than the real thing so it shows the main shape or plan.

2.形容詞C1
釋義

Made smaller than the real thing so it shows the main shape or plan.

例句

The museum displayed a small-scale model of the old harbor.

small-scale + model: reduced version of something real

Indra traced the road on a small-scale map of the island.

small-scale + map: reduced drawing with limited detail

同義詞
  • scaled-down

    A close synonym that often stresses reduction from an original size.

  • reduced

    A general word for something made smaller, but less specific about maps or technical drawings.

  • miniature

    Often refers to a tiny physical object rather than a plan or map.

反義詞
  • full-size

    At the same size as the real object.

用法筆記

Usually used before nouns like map, plan, drawing, and model. Distinguish from Sense 1 (LIMITED SCOPE): this sense describes a reduced representation, not a real project or event.

常見錯誤

❌The architect showed us a small-scale of the house.
✅The architect showed us a small-scale model of the house.
💡Small-scale is an adjective, so it needs a noun after it.