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Antonyms for tall

Grammar : Adj
Spell : tawl
Phonetic Transcription : tɔl


Definition of tall

Origin :
  • "high in stature," 1520s, probably ultimately from Old English getæl "prompt, active." Sense evolved to "brave, valiant, seemly, proper" (late 14c.), then to "attractive, handsome" (mid-15c.), and finally "being of more than average height." The Old English word is related to Old High German gi-zal "quick," Gothic un-tals "indocile."
  • Sense evolution is remarkable, but adjectives applied to persons often mutate quickly in meaning (e.g. pretty, buxom, German klein "small, little," which in Middle High German meant the same as its English cognate clean). Meaning "exaggerated" (as in tall tale) is American English colloquial attested by 1846. Phrase tall, dark, and handsome is recorded from 1906.
  • adj high in stature, length
  • adj exaggerated, unreasonable
Example sentences :
  • Philothea's tall figure was a lovely union of majesty and grace.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • "That's it," he said, as he busied himself with a tall glass and the cracked ice.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • “A tall and stalwart esquire, methinks,” said Master Headley.
  • Extract from : « The Armourer's Prentices » by Charlotte M. Yonge
  • He's not so large or tall, but quick and springy, and muscled like a panther.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • It lies behind that tall monument; I cannot see it for the blossoming boughs.
  • Extract from : « Malbone » by Thomas Wentworth Higginson
  • He was met halfway by a tall, strong man of middle age or more.
  • Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand
  • Opposite him sat a tall fellow very erect and stiff in his chair.
  • Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand
  • He reined the pinto under the trees to look up at that tall, black mass.
  • Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand
  • "Pierre is as tall as his father," he said, smiling at the youth.
  • Extract from : « The Raid From Beausejour; And How The Carter Boys Lifted The Mortgage » by Charles G. D. Roberts
  • "Stint it, Humphrey," said the tall squire, with a burst of laughter.
  • Extract from : « The White Company » by Arthur Conan Doyle

Synonyms for tall

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019