The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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scale

verb

/skeɪl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of scale

To climb, ascend, or reach the top of something, typically a physical object or a vertical surface.
"The burglar used a rope to scale the high wall surrounding the mansion."

Detailed meaning of scale

When someone scales something, they are often using their hands and feet to traverse a steep or elevated surface, such as a mountain, a wall, or a ladder. Scaling can require strength, balance, and coordination, as well as the use of specialized equipment or techniques, depending on the context. 'Scale' can also refer to the act of measuring or determining the size, extent, or proportions of something, often by comparing it to a known standard or unit of measurement. Additionally, 'scale' can signify the act of adjusting or resizing something proportionally, such as scaling a drawing or an image. Overall, 'scale' conveys the actions of climbing, ascending, measuring, or resizing in different contexts and applications.

Example sentences containing scale

1. Adventurers often scale steep cliffs to reach summits and capture sunrise views.
2. As a climber, to scale Mount Everest is my ultimate, sought-after achievement.
3. Robots now can scale walls, offering new perspectives in architecture and design.
4. Athletes train rigorously to scale towering obstacles with agility and speed.
5. To scale rocky terrains, hikers equip themselves with gears ensuring safety.
6. With determination, she aims to scale every peak in the challenging mountain range.

History and etymology of scale

The verb 'scale' in the context of climbing or ascending has an interesting etymology. It originated from the Old French word 'escale,' which came from the Vulgar Latin word 'ex-scala,' where 'ex' means 'out of' and 'scala' means 'ladder' or 'stairs.' This root suggests the image of ascending a ladder or stairs, emphasizing the gradual and step-by-step nature of the action. Over time, 'scale' in English came to represent the act of climbing or ascending, often implying the conquering of heights or overcoming obstacles. Thus, the etymology of 'scale' harks back to the idea of using a ladder or stairs to ascend, showcasing the historical link between the word and the action of climbing or reaching the top of something, whether it be a physical object or a vertical surface.

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Further usage examples of scale

1. Novice climbers, inspired, dream to one day scale the world's highest mountains.
2. With every ledge, climbers scale nature's giant monoliths, attesting human spirit.
3. We watched in awe as the expert team began to scale the vertical ice wall swiftly.
4. In the moonlight, shadows of climbers scale the terrain, reaching for the stars.
5. Painters skillfully scale tall buildings, transforming cityscapes into art pieces.
6. I'm not sure I can scale this wall without some help.
7. They will need a lot of resources to scale the project to global proportions.
8. How did you manage to scale the mountain in such harsh conditions?
9. We have to scale our efforts if we want to finish this task in time.
10. With the right strategy, you can scale any challenge in your path.
11. To succeed in this industry, you must be ready to scale hurdles of every kind.
12. They continue to scale the peaks of success in their business venture.
13. If you scale the steep slope carefully, you should reach the summit safely.
14. To scale the face of that cliff without equipment would be very dangerous.
15. We need to scale this problem down to more manageable pieces.
16. To scale the heights of success, perseverance is needed.
17. You must first scale your fears before you can truly succeed.
18. Can our current infrastructure scale the demand if it doubles?
19. Will we be able to scale the operations to meet the new market requirements?
20. It's a daunting task to scale the corporate ladder in such a competitive environment.
21. He managed to scale the highest peak of the Himalayas.
22. With technological advancements, we can now scale solutions much faster.
23. She has the ambition to scale the highest mountains in all seven continents.
24. Despite the obstacles, we will scale this crisis together.