scale
scale — verb
1. to move upward over a very steep or vertical barrier — for instance a cliff wall
to move upward over a very steep or vertical barrier — for instance a cliff wall or rock face — using your hands and feet and sometimes ropes or other gear
Sivan and her team used ropes to scale the steep granite cliff near the coast.
scale + steep surface (cliff)
Firefighters scaled the burning wall to rescue a family trapped upstairs.
rescue context with scale
During the storm, the cat managed to scale the tall wooden fence in the backyard.
Nikhil trained for months before scaling the highest rock face in the national park.
The ancient castle walls were so smooth that no enemy army could ever scale them.
passive: can (not) be scaled
- scale a wall
- scale a cliff
- scale a mountain
- descend
to move downward
Grammar Patterns
scale + noun phrase (steep surface)
Usage Note
Describes deliberate effort to climb steep or vertical surfaces. Not used for ordinary staircases or gentle hills.
Common Mistakes
2. to remove the hard mineral deposits and sticky bacteria film from a patient's te
to remove the hard mineral deposits and sticky bacteria film from a patient's teeth during a professional dental treatment
The dentist spent twenty minutes carefully scaling Jiwoo's teeth to remove the built-up tartar.
scale + teeth (dental procedure)
My hygienist recommends scaling my teeth every six months during regular check-up appointments.
recommend scaling + frequency
After the dentist scaled her teeth, Élise noticed her gums felt much cleaner and healthier.
Kenji needed his teeth professionally scaled because brushing alone could not remove the thick plaque.
- scale teeth
- scaling treatment
- have your teeth scaled
Grammar Patterns
scale + noun phrase (teeth)
Usage Note
Performed by a dentist or dental hygienist using specialized instruments. Not used for everyday tooth-brushing at home.
3. to scrape off the thin, flat protective plates that cover the skin of a fish so
to scrape off the thin, flat protective plates that cover the skin of a fish so that it can be cooked and eaten
Before frying the fish, Minh carefully scaled it with the back of her kitchen knife.
scale + fish (culinary prep)
Kwame watched his grandmother scale the fresh mackerel by running a blade along the skin.
The fishmonger offered to scale the salmon for free if customers bought it that morning.
offer to scale + condition
After catching trout, Tamar scaled and cleaned each fish beside the river before packing them.
- scale a fish
- scale the salmon
Grammar Patterns
scale + noun phrase (fish)
Usage Note
Commonly done in home cooking or by fish sellers. The verb is rarely used for reptiles or other scaled animals in everyday English.
4. to change the size, amount, or capacity of something so that it matches a partic
to change the size, amount, or capacity of something so that it matches a particular standard, requirement, or situation
The startup scaled its delivery service from one city to six within two years.
scale + service + from X to Y
Allison scaled the recipe ingredients to serve twelve guests instead of the original four portions.
The architects scaled the building plans to match the height limits set by the city government.
scale + plans + to match requirement
Ramón scaled his freelance photography rates according to the experience level of each client.
Engineers scaled the production line to fit the available floor space in the new factory.
scale + production + to fit constraint
- scale operations
- scale production
- scale a recipe
- scale to fit
- adjust
general term for any modification
- calibrate
implies precise adjustment to a standard
- proportion
to set dimensions in relation to a reference
Grammar Patterns
scale + noun + to/for + noun
be scaled to fit/meet/match
Usage Note
Often used in business, technology, and engineering contexts. The related phrasal verbs 'scale up' (increase) and 'scale back' (reduce) are more common in everyday speech for changing size.
Common Mistakes
scale back
phrasal verbto reduce the size, amount, or extent of something such as a business operation or a project
The company decided to scale back its production after the supplier failed to deliver the raw materials.
Omar and his team had to scale back their expansion plans when the bank loan was not approved.
scale up
phrasal verbto increase the size, amount, or capacity of something, especially a business or system
The software team needs to scale up the new platform to handle the sudden increase in global user traffic.
Layla wants to scale up her small bakery business by opening two more shops in nearby towns.
scale — noun
1. a system of marked points or levels arranged in a sequence, used as a standard t
a system of marked points or levels arranged in a sequence, used as a standard to measure or show temperature, strength, quality, or similar quantities.
The Richter scale measures the strength of earthquakes from one to ten.
the [name] scale measures ...
On a scale of one to ten, how satisfied are you with the service?
on a scale of ... to ...
Xiu checked the temperature scale on the thermometer before going outside.
temperature scale on [device]
The pay scale for this job starts at thirty thousand dollars a year.
pay scale
Teachers use a grading scale from A to F to evaluate student work.
- temperature scale
- pay scale
- grading scale
- on a scale of
- Richter scale
- wage scale
- sliding scale
Grammar Patterns
the [name] scale
on a scale of ... to ...
pay scale / wage scale / grading scale
Usage Note
Often found in compound noun patterns such as 'the Richter scale', 'the Beaufort scale', 'pH scale', 'pay scale', or 'grading scale', where the first word names the field or system.
Common Mistakes
2. how the real dimensions of an object or area compare to its dimensions on a map,
how the real dimensions of an object or area compare to its dimensions on a map, a model, or a drawing, usually shown as a ratio.
This map uses a scale of one centimeter for every ten kilometers.
a scale of [ratio]
Christopher built a model of the ship at a scale of one to fifty.
On architectural drawings the scale is usually printed at the bottom of the page.
Gita enlarged the diagram so that it was drawn exactly to scale.
to scale
Without a proper scale it is hard to tell how far apart the cities are.
- to scale
- at a scale of
- scale model
- drawn to scale
- not to scale
- ratio
a broader mathematical term; scale is a specific kind of ratio used for representation
- proportion
emphasises the relative size relationship rather than the precise numbers
Grammar Patterns
a scale of [ratio]
to scale
drawn to scale
Usage Note
The phrase 'to scale' is a fixed adverbial expression meaning the correct proportions are kept. 'Not to scale' is commonly printed on diagrams whose proportions are deliberately altered for clarity.
Common Mistakes
3. how big, serious, or widespread something is, often referring to operations, pro
how big, serious, or widespread something is, often referring to operations, problems, or natural events.
The company expanded its operations on a global scale.
on a ... scale
No one fully understood the scale of the disaster until the next morning.
the scale of [something]
Small-scale farmers often struggle to compete with large agricultural businesses.
small-scale / large-scale
The university launched a large-scale study on the effects of air pollution.
Emre was shocked by the scale of the problem when he saw the data.
- on a global scale
- on a large scale
- on a small scale
- the scale of
- large-scale
- small-scale
- full-scale
- economies of scale
Grammar Patterns
on a ... scale
the scale of [something]
large-scale / small-scale
Usage Note
Frequently preceded by an adjective in the pattern 'on a + adjective + scale' (e.g., 'on a massive scale', 'on a smaller scale'). The compounds 'large-scale' and 'small-scale' are commonly used as adjectives before nouns.
Common Mistakes
4. a piece of equipment used to find out how heavy a person or an object is, such a
a piece of equipment used to find out how heavy a person or an object is, such as a bathroom scale or kitchen scale.
Lisa stepped onto the bathroom scale to check her weight.
bathroom scale
The butcher placed the meat on the scale and told the customer the price.
Digital scales are far more accurate than the old spring-loaded ones.
Yasmin weighed the flour on a kitchen scale before baking the cake.
kitchen scale
The luggage scale showed that his suitcase was two kilograms over the limit.
- bathroom scale(s)
- kitchen scale(s)
- digital scale(s)
- luggage scale
- step on the scale(s)
- weighing scale(s)
- weighing machine
more formal and often larger, used in industrial or commercial settings
- balance
specifically refers to a traditional or precision weighing device with two pans
Grammar Patterns
bathroom scale(s)
kitchen scale(s)
step on the scale(s)
weigh on a scale
Usage Note
In British and American English, the singular 'scale' and plural 'scales' are both used to refer to one device, though 'scales' is more common in British English ('bathroom scales'). Digital weighing devices are more often called 'scales' than 'scale'.
Common Mistakes
5. a traditional weighing tool with two shallow dishes suspended from a central bea
a traditional weighing tool with two shallow dishes suspended from a central beam; you place a weight of a known amount in one dish and the item you want to weigh in the other so the beam stays level when both sides match.
The pharmacist used an old balance scale to measure the herbs.
balance scale
Students placed weights on one side of the scale and a sample on the other.
one side ... the other
The symbol of justice shows a woman holding a balance scale in her hands.
Rodrigo put a fifty-gram weight on the left pan to balance the chemicals.
Traditional balance scales can measure very small amounts with great accuracy.
- balance scale
- a pair of scales
- pan of the scale
- weigh on a balance
- beam scale
- balance
emphasises the two-pan mechanism; often used in scientific contexts
- beam scale
specifies the horizontal-beam design of the device
Grammar Patterns
balance scale
a pair of scales
Usage Note
The phrase 'a pair of scales' is an older or more formal expression referring to a balance scale. In modern everyday use, digital scales have largely replaced traditional balance scales outside of laboratories and classrooms.
Common Mistakes
6. a fixed sequence of tones rising or falling in pitch, typically containing eight
a fixed sequence of tones rising or falling in pitch, typically containing eight steps from one starting note to the same note a full octave above or below it.
The piano teacher asked Xiu to practice the C major scale.
C major scale
Singers warm up their voices by singing scales before a performance.
Indra learned to play a blues scale on the guitar after just three lessons.
The violinist played a fast ascending scale that thrilled the audience.
ascending scale
Sakura practised the D major scale on her violin until every note sounded clear.
practise + [key] scale on [instrument]
- major scale
- minor scale
- play a scale
- practice scales
- ascending scale
- descending scale
- chromatic scale
- scale of C
- blues scale
- musical scale
- octave scale
emphasises the eight-note range of a standard major or minor scale
Grammar Patterns
play a scale
major scale
minor scale
scale of [key]
Usage Note
Scales are named by their starting note and type: 'C major', 'G minor', 'blues scale', 'chromatic scale', etc. Two common patterns are the 'ascending scale' (going up in pitch) and 'descending scale' (going down).
Common Mistakes
7. a small, hard, flat plate that is part of the outer body covering of creatures s
a small, hard, flat plate that is part of the outer body covering of creatures such as fish, snakes, and lizards, helping protect them.
The fish's scales shone silver in the morning sunlight.
collocation: scales shine / glitter
Asher gently removed the scales from the fresh salmon before cooking it.
action: remove scales from [fish]
When Defne picked up the snake, its scales felt smooth and dry.
The old mirror carp in the garden pond had lost several scales after the fight with the heron.
Under the microscope, each scale on the butterfly's wing looked like a tiny roof tile.
metaphorical extension: scale on insect wing
- fish scales
- snake scales
- remove the scales
- scrape off the scales
- covered in scales
- lost a scale
Grammar Patterns
scale + of + noun
plural: scales
Usage Note
Usually used in the plural form (scales) because fish and reptiles are covered by many of these plates.
Common Mistakes
8. a chalky mineral crust that collects inside water-heating equipment such as pipe
a chalky mineral crust that collects inside water-heating equipment such as pipes, kettles, and boilers, often white or grey in colour.
A thick layer of scale had built up inside the old electric kettle.
collocation: layer of scale / scale builds up
Lien used white vinegar to remove the scale from her coffee machine.
collocation: remove scale with [solution]
The plumber said the scale blocking the pipes was mostly calcium from the hard local water.
cause: hard water → scale
Hana noticed white flakes of scale floating in her boiled drinking water.
Ignacio bought a descaling solution to clean the shower head of mineral scale.
derived word: descaling
- limescale removal
- build up scale
- remove scale
- hard water scale
- white scale
- limescale
the everyday term people use at home; more specific to calcium deposits from water
- mineral deposit
broader term that includes scale and other types of build-up
Grammar Patterns
scale + forms/builds up
remove + scale
Usage Note
This sense is uncountable — you cannot say 'a scale' when referring to the mineral deposit. 'Scale' can also refer to a similar metal-oxide layer that forms when iron is heated (mill scale).
Common Mistakes
9. a hardened deposit of food residue and minerals that collects on the surface of
a hardened deposit of food residue and minerals that collects on the surface of teeth when brushing and flossing are neglected; also known as tartar.
Ritu's dentist warned that soft plaque would harden into scale if she did not floss more often.
process: soft plaque → scale (tartar)
The dental hygienist used a metal scraper to remove the scale from Élise's lower front teeth.
collocation: remove scale from [body part]
Aaron noticed a yellow-brown layer of scale forming behind his lower front teeth.
Brushing twice a day and flossing prevent the build-up of hard scale on tooth surfaces.
prevention: brushing + flossing
Femi's dentist recommended a professional deep cleaning to remove the scale below the gum line.
treatment: professional cleaning for subgingival scale
- dental scale
- remove scale
- scale on teeth
- build-up of scale
- scale below the gum line
Grammar Patterns
scale + forms/builds up on + teeth
Usage Note
In everyday conversation, people usually say 'plaque' for the early soft layer and 'tartar' or 'scale' for the hardened deposit. Dentists prefer 'calculus' for the hardened form.
Common Mistakes
to be the final factor that causes a situation to develop in a particular direction, especially when the outcome was previously uncertain.
Her strong recommendation tipped the balance in my favour during the interview.
The lower price was the factor that tipped the scales toward buying the smaller car.
tip the scales at
idiomto have a particular weight when measured, used especially when stating someone's or something's weight.
The newborn baby tipped the scales at just over three kilograms.
The champion pumpkin tipped the scales at over four hundred kilograms at the fair.
To change the result of a situation by giving an advantage to one side.
Maya's extra effort tipped the scales in our team's favor.
Did the new evidence tip the balance against the defendant?
To have a particular weight when measured on a scale.
The champion boxer tipped the scales at 90 kilograms.
My suitcase tipped the scales at exactly 23 kilograms.
Word family
- scalableadjectiveB2
- scaledadjectiveB2
- scalingnounB2
- scalabilitynounC1
- scalelessadjectiveC1
- descaleverbB2
- descalingnounC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/3
'Size' is the most general word for how big or small something is ('the size of the building'). 'Extent' emphasises how far something spreads or reaches, often geographically or across time ('the full extent of the flood damage'). 'Magnitude' is more formal and is used for serious events, forces, or numbers ('the magnitude of the earthquake', 'the magnitude of the problem'), and is commonly used in science. 'Scope' focuses on the range of activities, subjects, or topics covered ('the scope of the project'), and is typical in business and academic settings. 'Range' is the broadest — it refers to the distance between two extremes along a spectrum ('a wide range of temperatures', 'price range'). In everyday use, 'the scale of something' carries the same flavour as 'extent' or 'magnitude' but emphasises the overall size of an operation or situation — for instance, 'the scale of the relief effort' suggests not just how far it reached but how massive the undertaking was.
Common collocations
Etymology
The word 'scale' in English actually comes from two different older words that arrived through different paths. The senses connected to climbing, measuring, and musical notes trace back to Latin 'scala' (ladder/stairs). The idea of climbing a ladder gave us the verb 'to scale' a wall or cliff, while the idea of a ladder of levels gave us a 'scale' as a measuring system and a musical 'scale' (a ladder of notes). Meanwhile, the senses related to thin outer plates (fish scales, limescale, dental scale) come from Old French 'escale' (shell/husk), which came from a Germanic root meaning to split or peel. So one word 'scale' in English carries two separate histories — the 'ladder' side and the 'shell' side — that happened to sound the same over time.