Tall vs. Big: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on November 13, 2023
Tall refers to height, measuring from base to top, whereas big encompasses overall size, including width, height, and depth.
Key Differences
Tall specifically describes vertical extent, indicating a great distance from bottom to top. Big, on the other hand, denotes large size in more general terms, encompassing width, height, and volume.
In context, tall is often used for objects or people with notable height, like a tall building or a tall person. Big, in contrast, can describe something with considerable dimensions in all directions, like a big house or a big animal.
The word tall is typically not applicable to objects that are broad or wide without significant height. Conversely, big can refer to anything that's large in size, regardless of its specific dimensions.
When considering growth, tall is used to denote vertical increase, as in a child growing taller. Big, however, can refer to growth in overall mass or volume, as in getting bigger in size.
In usage, tall often carries a sense of slenderness or elongation, whereas big might imply a more substantial, sometimes bulky, presence.
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Comparison Chart
Dimension
Height (vertical extent)
Overall size (height, width, depth)
Usage Context
Height of people, trees, buildings
General largeness, including mass & area
Implied Shape
Elongated, slender
Voluminous, expansive
Growth Description
Growing taller (height increase)
Growing bigger (size increase)
Common Associations
Lanky, lofty, towering
Large, hefty, spacious
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Tall and Big Definitions
Tall
Exceeding average height.
She was the tallest in her class.
Big
Important or significant.
It was a big day for her, graduating from college.
Tall
Lofty or elevated in nature.
The mountain's tall peak was covered in snow.
Big
Of considerable size, extent, or intensity.
They moved to a bigger house.
Tall
Impressively high or imposing.
The tall trees shaded the entire backyard.
Big
Popular or well-known.
She landed a role in a big movie.
Tall
High in stature.
The tower stood tall against the skyline.
Big
Mature or grown-up.
Her son was getting big and starting school soon.
Tall
Exaggerated or ambitious in scope.
He was known for telling tall tales.
Big
Generous or magnanimous.
He had a big heart and always helped others.
Tall
Having greater than ordinary height
A tall woman.
Big
Of considerable size, number, quantity, magnitude, or extent; large.
Tall
Having considerable height, especially in relation to width; lofty
Tall trees.
Big
Having great strength or force
A big wind.
In a big rage.
Tall
Having a specified height
A plant three feet tall.
Big
Of great significance; momentous
A big decision.
A big victory.
FAQs
Is tall always about vertical measurement?
Yes, tall refers specifically to vertical height.
Can tall be used for non-living things?
Yes, tall can describe any object with notable height, like buildings.
Is tall positive or negative?
It's neutral, though context can give it positive or negative connotations.
Does big only refer to physical size?
No, big can also imply importance or significance.
Does big always imply physical presence?
Not always, it can also indicate influence or impact.
Is someone tall if they're above average height?
Typically, yes, especially in comparison to peers.
Is tall used in sports?
Yes, especially to describe height advantages in basketball or volleyball.
Can big describe personality traits?
Yes, phrases like "big personality" imply boldness or prominence.
Does big necessarily mean overweight?
No, big can refer to overall size, not just weight.
Are tall and high interchangeable?
In many contexts, yes, but tall is usually for objects and high for abstract concepts.
Is big used in business language?
Yes, to describe major corporations or significant deals.
Can tall describe feelings or emotions?
Not typically; it's more physical or literal.
Is big a common descriptor in literature?
Yes, for both characters and settings.
Does big always relate to size in common phrases?
Not always; "big idea" focuses more on impact or innovation.
Can animals be described as big?
Yes, big is commonly used to describe large animals.
Can big mean adult or mature?
Yes, especially in phrases like "big boy" or "big girl".
Can tall be used metaphorically?
Yes, like in "tall order," meaning a difficult task.
Are there synonyms for tall?
Yes, like lofty, towering, or lanky.
Does big apply to quantities or amounts?
Yes, it can refer to a large amount or number.
Can tall indicate success or achievement?
Indirectly, as in "standing tall" after an accomplishment.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
