size up — to form an opinion or judgment about someone or something after careful observation
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to form an opinion or judgment about someone or something after careful observation
Pronunciation (IPA): /saɪz ʌp/
Example Sentences
- The detective sized up the suspect with just one glance.
- My cat sizes up every visitor before deciding whether to hide or demand treats.
- She sized up the job interview panel and adjusted her strategy.
size up
VERB[/saɪz ʌp/]
to form an opinion or judgment about someone or something after careful observation
to form an opinion or judgment about someone or something after careful observation
Size up the truth, wise up and rise up!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase 'size up' emerged in American English during the 19th century, combining the noun 'size' (from Old French 'sise' meaning 'setting' or 'amount') with the particle 'up', which intensifies the verb to suggest a complete assessment or evaluation.
Breakdown
size (measurement, extent) + up (particle indicating completion/intensity) = size up (to assess or evaluate completely)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The detective sized up the suspect with just one glance.”
“My cat sizes up every visitor before deciding whether to hide or demand treats.”
“She sized up the job interview panel and adjusted her strategy.”
“The chess grandmaster sized up his opponent's playing style in the first few moves.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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