tall
Translation
tall, high
Examples
My brother is very tall.
My brother is very tall.
That is a very tall building.
That is a very tall building.
It's a tall order, but I'll try.
It's a tall order, but I'll try.
Grammar Patterns
((be)) ((tall)) to have a great height He is very tall for his age.
((a)) ((tall)) ((noun)) describing a noun as having great height It's a tall building.
Similar Words
Synonyms: high, lofty; Antonyms: short, low
Etymology
From Middle English, related to Old English 'getæl' (swift). The meaning 'high in stature' is a later development.
Memory Tips
Picture a tall giraffe reaching for leaves 'all' the way at the top of a tree. The sound 't-all' can help you remember.