scale
SKAYL
/skeɪl/
The ratio of a distance on the map to the corresponding distance on the ground.
A 'large-scale' map shows a small area with great detail; a 'small-scale' map shows a large area with less detail.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'scala', meaning ladder. It refers to the 'steps' or graduations on a measuring instrument, like the rungs of a ladder.
Word relationships
- ratio: Ratio is the mathematical relationship; scale is the application of that ratio to a map or model.
Commonly confused with
- proportion: Proportion is the relationship between parts of a whole; scale is the relationship between a representation and reality.
Collocations
- large-scale
- map scale
- scale model
Idioms & expressions
- off the scale
- to scale
Example sentences
- "The map was drawn on a scale of great magnitude, showing every detail of the coast." Literature
- "According to the scale, one inch on this map represents ten miles in reality." Practical use
Memory hook
You 'Scale' a mountain by taking steps; a map 'Scale' shows the steps of distance. Steps of distance.
When not to use
Do not confuse with the 'scales' of a fish or a weighing 'scale', though they share the same origin.
Fun facts
- The most detailed maps used by hikers are often at a scale of 1:24,000.
Related words
Explore more words
proportional, tactical, terrain, densely-populated, scalable, spatial
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.