21 Adjectives to Describe Size

21 Adjectives to Describe Size

Hello English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. Today, we will learn 21 adjectives to describe size.

Common adjectives to describe size are small, medium, large, huge, tiny, massive and enormous. The same adjective can have different connotations based on context. For example, “big” can be positive (big opportunity) or negative (big problem). Let’s look at the list of adjectives used to describe size, starting from smaller to bigger ones.

1. Slender
2. Tiny
3. Miniscule
4. Minute
5. Emaciated
6. Petite
7. Compact
8. Short
9. Wide
10. Lean
11. Chunky
12. Stout
13. Stocky
14. Hefty
15. Huge
16. Obese
17. Massive
18. Gigantic
19. Epic
20. Expansive
21. Oversized

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Slender

Meaning: used to describe something that is thin, narrow or gracefully lean in shape. It often carries a sense of elegance or delicacy.

• She wore a slender bracelet that sparkled in the light. Adjectives to describe size
• The tree had slender branches that swayed gently in the wind.
• He has a slender physique, which he maintains through regular exercise.

Tiny

Meaning: refers to something that is extremely small or insignificant in size. It is often used to describe objects, creatures or even concepts that are miniature compared to others.

• She held a tiny puppy in her hands.
• The tiny raindrops barely made a sound when they hit the ground.
• He only made a tiny mistake on the exam, but it cost him points.

Miniscule

Meaning: extremely small or tiny. It is often used to describe things that are so small that they are barely noticeable.

• The minuscule print on the packaging made it difficult to read the instructions. 
• She noticed a minuscule crack in the wall that had gone unnoticed for years. Adjectives to describe size

Adjectives to describe size

Minute

Meaning: used to describe something that is very small or tiny. In this context, “minute” (pronounced “my-NOOT”) serves as an adjective to convey a sense of insignificance or smallness in size.

• The minute details of the painting revealed the artist’s extraordinary skill and attention to detail.
• He was frustrated by the minute problems that kept arising during the project, which made it difficult to stay on track.
• The scientist noted the minute changes in temperature that could indicate a larger environmental trend.

Emaciated

Meaning: refers to someone or something that is extremely thin and gaunt, often due to malnutrition, illness or severe lack of food. It conveys a sense of severe weight loss and can evoke a feeling of vulnerability or distress. Adjectives to describe size

• After months of being lost in the wilderness without proper food, he emerged emaciated and weak, barely able to stand.
• The rescue team found the emaciated dog wandering the streets.
• After the famine, many villagers looked emaciated, a stark reminder of the harsh conditions they had endured.

Petite

Meaning: a French word that translates to “small” or “little” in English. It is used to describe something that is diminutive in size.  It can be applied to people, objects, or concepts that are tiny or lesser in comparison to others.

• The petite cafe on the corner always has the best pastries.
• She wore a petite dress that seemed perfectly tailored for her.
• The dog is so petite, it fits comfortably in my backpack. Adjectives to describe size

Compact

Meaning: refers to something that is closely packed together or small in size without losing functionality. It can describe objects, spaces or even ideas that are efficient in form or use.

• The compact car was perfect for navigating the narrow streets of the city, making parking a breeze.
• She loved the compact design of the portable charger because it easily fit in her pocket.
• They chose to live in a compact studio apartment that utilized every inch efficiently, creating a cosy atmosphere.

Short

Meaning: having little length, height or duration. It can refer to physical dimensions, such as a short person or a short fence, as well as to time, like a short meeting or a short break.

• Despite her short stature, she had a commanding presence that made everyone pay attention when she spoke.
• The conference was surprisingly short, lasting only an hour instead of the expected three hours.
• He wore his hair short for the summer, enjoying the cool breeze on his neck during the hot days. Adjectives to describe size

Wide

Meaning: refers to something that has a substantial width. For example, a “wide street” can accommodate multiple lanes of traffic, whereas a “wide door” allows for easier passage.

• The river is wide enough for boats to pass through easily.
• She gave a wide smile when she heard the good news.
• The landscape stretched out wide in front of us, offering a breathtaking view.

Lean

Meaning: describes something that has little fat; it can also refer to being without excess or superfluity, implying efficiency or effectiveness.

• The chef prepared a lean cut of chicken for dinner, ensuring it was healthy and low in fat.
• She prefers lean meats like turkey or chicken in her diet to maintain her fitness goals.
• The company adopted a lean management approach, streamlining processes to maximize productivity. Adjectives to describe size

Chunky

Meaning: describes something that is thick or has large pieces. It can refer to textures, food, or styles that are characterized by their bulkiness or density.

• The chunky sweater kept me warm during the winter months with its thick knit.
• She enjoyed a chunky vegetable soup loaded with fresh ingredients and hearty pieces.
• The artist’s new collection features chunky jewellery.

Stout

Meaning: describes something that is strong, thick or heavy. It can refer to physical attributes, such as a person’s build or the characteristics of certain objects.

• The stout man lifted the heavy box with ease, showcasing his strength. Adjectives to describe size
• After enjoying a hearty meal, she paired it with a stout beer for a perfect finish.
• The stout walls of the ancient castle had stood for centuries against the elements.

Stocky

Meaning: describes a person or animal that has a broad and sturdy build, often with a short and thick appearance. It typically refers to a strong, muscular physique.

• The stocky athlete dominated the competition, using his powerful frame to his advantage.
• The dog was stocky and strong, making it well-suited for agility training.
• Despite his stocky appearance, he was surprisingly quick on his feet during the match.

Hefty

Meaning: describes something that is large, heavy or substantial in weight. It can refer to physical objects, but it can also be used informally to describe large quantities or amounts of something.

• The hefty book was difficult to carry, but it was filled with valuable information.
• Sandra received a hefty sum of money for her artwork, which surprised her.  The hefty dog had a heart of gold, and everyone loved his gentle demeanour despite his size. Adjectives to describe size
• After a hefty workout, he felt exhausted but accomplished.

Huge

Meaning: describes something that is very large in size, extent or amount. It can refer to physical objects, spaces or even abstract concepts like emotions or events.

• The huge elephant strolled through the savannah, captivating the tourists with its impressive size.
• She made a huge effort to organize the event, ensuring everything went smoothly.
• The company’s huge success last quarter led to a significant increase in stock prices.

Obese

Meaning: refers to a condition characterized by excessive body fat, typically defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. It can have various health implications and is often considered a medical concern.

• The doctor advised the patient to adopt a healthier lifestyle because he was considered clinically obese.
• The government launched a campaign to address the rising number of obese children in the country. Adjectives to describe size
• Despite being obese, Michael enjoyed participating in sports and finding ways to adjust the activities to suit his needs.

Massive

Meaning: refers to something that is very large, heavy or solid. It can be used to describe objects, events or abstract concepts that are immense in size, extent or impact.

• Mary purchased a massive table for the dining room.
• The company faced massive financial losses last quarter.
• The new law will have a massive impact on the economy.

Gigantic

Meaning: extremely large in size or amount. It is used to describe things that are much bigger than usual or expected.

• The skyscraper was so gigantic that it seemed to touch the clouds.
• There was a gigantic turnout at the concert, with thousands of fans attending.
• Her contribution to the project was gigantic and greatly appreciated. Adjectives to describe size

Adjectives to describe size

Epic

Meaning: exceptionally large or impressive in scale, scope or significance. It is used to describe events, actions or objects that are extraordinary and memorable.

• The journey across the desert was an epic adventure, filled with challenges and breathtaking landscapes.
• Climbing Mount Everest was an epic achievement for the team.
• The concert was held in an epic venue with state-of-the-art facilities.

Expansive

Meaning: refers to something that is broad, wide or extensive in scope, size or range.

• The desert stretched out in an expansive view that seemed to go on forever.
• The company plans to launch an expansive marketing campaign to reach a larger audience.
• They moved into an expansive house with enough rooms for everyone. Adjectives to describe size

Oversized

Meaning: refers to something that is larger than the usual or expected size. It is commonly used to describe objects, clothing or other items that are bigger than normal.

• The oversized suitcase was difficult to fit in the car trunk.
• She wore an oversized sweater that looked incredibly comfortable.
• He has an oversized sense of responsibility when it comes to his family.

Adjectives to describe size

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