tall
tall
Pronunciation
/tɔːl/ (one syllable)
/t/ - unvoiced alveolar plosive
/ɔː/ - open-mid back rounded vowel (long)
/l/ - alveolar lateral approximant
Word Form Variations
"Tall" is primarily an adjective and does not have typical singular/plural variations like nouns. However, it does have comparative and superlative forms:
Positive: tall
Comparative: taller
Superlative: tallest
It can also be used as part of a compound word or a phrasal verb, but its core form remains consistent.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Definition 1: Having a great or more than average height, especially in relation to width.
Synonyms: high, lofty, towering, elevated, lanky, lengthy
Antonyms: short, small, low, diminutive, tiny
Definition 2: (Of a story or claim) difficult to believe; exaggerated.
Synonyms: improbable, incredible, unbelievable, far-fetched, exaggerated, preposterous
Antonyms: plausible, believable, credible, realistic, understated
Definition 3: (Of a drink) served in a tall glass, often with a mixer.
Synonyms: (No direct synonyms; describes a serving style)
Antonyms: short (referring to a drink served in a small glass)
Examples of Use
Books: "The tall pines loomed over the cabin, their branches swaying gently in the breeze." (From "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens, August 2018)
Newspapers: "Developers are proposing a new tall residential tower in the city center, sparking debates among local residents." (From The New York Times)
Online Publications: "How to choose the perfect pair of jeans for tall women." (From an article on Vogue.com)
Entertainment Mediums (Film): "He played the tall, brooding detective in the latest noir film." (Referring to a character description in a film review of "The Long Goodbye," 1973)
Entertainment Platforms (Television): "The contestant, a tall and athletic young man, easily cleared the final obstacle." (From a description of a reality competition show, such as "American Ninja Warrior,")
General Public Discourse: "You're looking pretty tall today, have you grown?" (Common everyday conversation)
General Public Discourse: "That's a tall order, but I think we can get it done." (A common idiom, often heard in professional settings or casual conversation)
10 Quotes Using Tall
"You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was." (Abraham Lincoln)
"If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?" (T. S. Eliot)
"We built tall buildings, but we have not become any taller." (Dejan Stojanovic)
"The American flag, Old Glory, standing tall and flying free over American soil for 228 years is the symbol of our beloved country." (Jeff Miller)
"No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child." (Abraham Lincoln)
"A daughter of the gods, divinely tall, And most divinely fair." (Alfred Lord Tennyson)
"The real use of gunpowder is to make all men tall." (Thomas Carlyle)
"I have a confidence about my life that comes from standing tall on my own two feet." (Jane Fonda)
"Being tall is an advantage, especially in business. People will always remember you." (Julia Child)
"If we have to use force, it is because we are America. We are the indispensable nation. We stand tall. We see further into the future." (Madeleine Albright)
Etymology
The word "tall" has a pretty interesting journey through time!
It comes from a Middle English word, "tal" or "talle," which had a much broader range of meanings than just "high in stature." Around the 14th century, "tal" could mean things like:
Handsome or good-looking
Valiant or brave
Quick, prompt, or active
Seemly, proper, or decent
Large or big
So, imagine someone describing a knight as "tal"—they weren't just saying he was physically tall, but also that he was brave, skillful, and maybe even handsome!
It wasn't until the 16th century (1500s) that "tall" really started to be used primarily to mean "having a great or more than average height," especially for people. It's a bit of a mystery why this specific meaning became the dominant one, especially considering all the other positive traits it used to convey.
So, in short, "tall" originally was a versatile compliment in Middle English, and over time, it narrowed its focus to specifically describe height.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Tall
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "tall":
Tall order: A difficult or challenging task.
Tall tale: An exaggerated or unbelievable story.
Stand tall: To act with confidence and integrity, especially in the face of adversity.
Walk tall: Similar to "stand tall," to be proud and confident.
Tall drink of water: A slang term for a tall person (often used to describe an attractive one).
A tall poppy: Someone who is conspicuously successful, often becoming a target for criticism or resentment (from "tall poppy syndrome").
To be a tall glass of milk: (Lesser-known) To be very pale or fair-skinned.
To cut a tall figure: To appear imposing or impressive, often due to height.
Tall in the saddle: Confident and in control, often after overcoming a difficulty.
Tall as a house: (Original/Descriptive) Extremely tall.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of tall from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
