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Tall vs. Big: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
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.
Huma Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
In usage, tall often carries a sense of slenderness or elongation, whereas big might imply a more substantial, sometimes bulky, presence.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Dimension

Height (vertical extent)
Overall size (height, width, depth)
Huma Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

Usage Context

Height of people, trees, buildings
General largeness, including mass & area
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Implied Shape

Elongated, slender
Voluminous, expansive
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Growth Description

Growing taller (height increase)
Growing bigger (size increase)
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023

Common Associations

Lanky, lofty, towering
Large, hefty, spacious
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
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Tall and Big Definitions

Tall

Exceeding average height.
She was the tallest in her class.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Big

Important or significant.
It was a big day for her, graduating from college.
Huma Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

Tall

Lofty or elevated in nature.
The mountain's tall peak was covered in snow.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023

Big

Of considerable size, extent, or intensity.
They moved to a bigger house.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 13, 2023

Tall

Impressively high or imposing.
The tall trees shaded the entire backyard.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
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Big

Popular or well-known.
She landed a role in a big movie.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Tall

High in stature.
The tower stood tall against the skyline.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Big

Mature or grown-up.
Her son was getting big and starting school soon.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 13, 2023

Tall

Exaggerated or ambitious in scope.
He was known for telling tall tales.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023

Big

Generous or magnanimous.
He had a big heart and always helped others.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Tall

Having greater than ordinary height
A tall woman.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 14, 2023

Big

Of considerable size, number, quantity, magnitude, or extent; large.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 14, 2023

Tall

Having considerable height, especially in relation to width; lofty
Tall trees.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 14, 2023

Big

Having great strength or force
A big wind.
In a big rage.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 14, 2023

Tall

Having a specified height
A plant three feet tall.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 14, 2023

Big

Of great significance; momentous
A big decision.
A big victory.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 14, 2023

FAQs

Is tall always about vertical measurement?

Yes, tall refers specifically to vertical height.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Can tall be used for non-living things?

Yes, tall can describe any object with notable height, like buildings.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Is tall positive or negative?

It's neutral, though context can give it positive or negative connotations.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Does big only refer to physical size?

No, big can also imply importance or significance.
Huma Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

Does big always imply physical presence?

Not always, it can also indicate influence or impact.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023

Is someone tall if they're above average height?

Typically, yes, especially in comparison to peers.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Is tall used in sports?

Yes, especially to describe height advantages in basketball or volleyball.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Can big describe personality traits?

Yes, phrases like "big personality" imply boldness or prominence.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Does big necessarily mean overweight?

No, big can refer to overall size, not just weight.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 13, 2023

Are tall and high interchangeable?

In many contexts, yes, but tall is usually for objects and high for abstract concepts.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 13, 2023

Is big used in business language?

Yes, to describe major corporations or significant deals.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Can tall describe feelings or emotions?

Not typically; it's more physical or literal.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Is big a common descriptor in literature?

Yes, for both characters and settings.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023

Does big always relate to size in common phrases?

Not always; "big idea" focuses more on impact or innovation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Can animals be described as big?

Yes, big is commonly used to describe large animals.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Can big mean adult or mature?

Yes, especially in phrases like "big boy" or "big girl".
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Can tall be used metaphorically?

Yes, like in "tall order," meaning a difficult task.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023

Are there synonyms for tall?

Yes, like lofty, towering, or lanky.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 13, 2023

Does big apply to quantities or amounts?

Yes, it can refer to a large amount or number.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023

Can tall indicate success or achievement?

Indirectly, as in "standing tall" after an accomplishment.
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma Saeed
Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.

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